LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

Shelf JkSsA^- 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. J 






' < 



MEMOIRS 



OF THE 



LIFE, RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES, 



AND 



LABORS IN TH^^OSPEL, 



• ' 



OF 4 ** 

JAMES GOUGH, 

Of the City of Dublin, Deceased. 



BROTHER, JOHN GOUGH. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

Friends' book store, NO. 304 ARCH street. 



1886. 



V A5 



THE LIIKAIV 
•» COHOftgM 



MCrv. ■ * 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Preface, v 

Testimony of the Men's Meeting at Dublin, concerning 

James Gough, ix 

Introduction, xiii 

CHAPTER I. 

Birth and Parentage. Early religious impressions and ed- 
ucation. Remarks on his natural propensity to evil. 
Observations on the concern of Friends for the welfare of 
the youth in Westmoreland. Enters the school of David 
Hall at Skipton as an usher. Comments on two of his as- 
sociates. Narrow escape from great danger at Liverpool, 17 

CHAPTER II. 

Enters the school of Alexander Arscott in Bristol. Remarks 
on a plain garb, and the dangers attending the relinquish- 
ment of it. Is favored with a renewed Divine visitation. 
Experiences Divine favor, in obedience and watchfulness. 
Comments thereon. Death of Alexander Arscott. En- 
gages to teach school at Cork, and removes to Ireland, . 28 

CHAPTER III. 

Observations on the meetings of Friends in Ireland. Mar- 
riage to Mary Dobbs. Account of his wife's parents, John 
and Martha Dobbs. Remarks on business entanglements, 
and on looking for Divine direction before entering upon 
marriage. Appears in the ministry. Considerations on 
the ministry, and on meetings of ministers and elders, . 37 

CHAPTER IV. 

Pays a religious visit to Friends in England. Edifying con- 
versation of James Wilson. Incident in the ministry of 
Isaac Alexander. Visits some parts of Ireland. Account 
of John Ashton, 51 

CHAPTER V. 

Visits Friends in Wales. Account of John Goodwin. Visits 
Friends in England, and attends London Yearly Meeting. 
Visits Meetings and families in Ireland. . . .61 



IV CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER, VI. 

Removes to Mountmelick, Engages in the linen business. 
Remarks on the dangers of affluence. Attends the mar- 
riage and funeral of Mary Neale. Visits Friends in Cum- 
berland and Westmoreland. Engages in school teaching 
at Mountmelick. Death of his wife. Visits Ulster prov- 
ince. Visits Munster Province. Has an interview with 
John Wesley, on account of some incorrect charges made 
by the latter. Remarks on a profession of religion without 
the fruits thereof, 74 

CHAPTER VII. 

Marriage to Elizabeth Barnes. Attends London Yearly 
Meeting, and visits Friends in Wales. Removes to Bristol, 
England. Review of the state of the Society in Ireland 
during his residence there. Remarks on changes experi- 
enced in his removal to another neighborhood, . . .86 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Notice of the end of the autobiography of James Gough and 
remarks by his brother John Gough in continuing the 
narrative. Engagements at and near home. Death of his 
son John, in his twenty-first year. Notice of his funeral 
and exemplary character. Considerations addressed to the 
youth. Visits Friends in England, Wales and Ireland, 95 

CHAPTER IX. 

Returns to Dublin to reside. Relinquishes school teaching. 
Exercises of mind in the prospect of a religious visit to Uls- 
ter Province. Engages in a visit to Ulster. Reflections on 
the end designed by visits of this kind, .... 108 

CHAPTER X. 

Visit to Munster Province. Religious engagements at and 
near home. Visits the Monthly Meetings of Mountmelick 
and Edenderry . Visits parts of Leinster and Munster Prov- 
inces. Visits the families of Friends in Limerick and 
Cork. Illness and death. Remarks on his life and re- 
ligious labors, . 116 

CHAPTER XL 

Epistle of James Gough to Friends in Ireland, . . .124 



PREFACE BY THE EDITOR. 



That biography which describes the lives of such as have 
steadily directed their course through this world to a better, 
in piety toward God and goodness of heart and life among 
men, seems, in an especial manner, to claim our serious and 
attentive perusal. Some of these good men, from a view of 
being helpful and serviceable to mankind, when they shall 
be no more in this state of mutability, have left behind them 
lively monuments of their experience of the work of sancti- 
fication and saving grace in them ; reciting not only the oc- 
currences of their lives, but the motives of their actions, and 
the effect of those occurrences on the state of their minds; 
unfolding the gradual operation of the grace of God, for their 
redemption from evil, and showing forth the fruits of the 
Spirit, out of a good conversation. Herein leaving, as it were, 
the prints of their footsteps to lasting felicity, for their sur- 
vivors to trace the path to the like glorious inheritance. 

Of this kind of biography we have had several tracts pub- 
lished in our Society; and having perused them with much 
satisfaction and advantage, and been thereby animated to an 
ardent desire of treading the same path to blessedness, I am 
induced the more readily to forward the publication of the 
following sheets, and to recommend them to the solid atten- 
tion of my friends, particularly to the youth of this genera- 
tion. Reading and study, as well as every other occupation 
of our lives, are most properly and profitably employed in the 
pursuit and acquisition of those virtuous dispositions, where- 
by we may please our Maker, fill up our stations in life with 



VI PREFACE. 

propriety, and be good examples in our generation. It is a 
matter of importance to all, but especially to this age, to be 
very careful and well-directed in the choice of the books they 
read, as well as the company they familiarly associate with ; 
that they be such as may make profitable impressions upon 
them: these silent companions of the closet communicate 
a good or evil influence, according to the subjects they treat 
of, and the manner in which they are treated, and have 
a secret but powerful effect upon the tender mind ; and the 
apostle's observation, that, "evil communications corrupt good 
manners," is, in my opinion, applicable to corrupting books, 
as well as to corrupting companions. 

From the clear sense they had of the pernicious tendency 
of such compositions, our friends, both in a private and col- 
lective capacity, have been frequently concerned to recom- 
mend a care in parents and guardians, to prevent and caution 
youth and others to restrain their inclination to read " such 
books as tend to leaven the mind into vanity, profaneness 
and infidelity,"* under which description are comprised, 
"plays, novels and romances, and all those which have a 
tendency to lead the mind from piety, and to oppose or reject 
the divine authority of the Holy Scriptures." This licentious 
age, which has produced an inundation of fictitious composi- 
tions, romances and novels in abundance, presents an occasion 
to revive the caution to our young friends, to beware of touch- 
ing the unclean thing, lest their minds be imperceptibly de- 
filed thereby. 

Such writings being adapted to the depraved taste of an 
indolent and luxurious generation, afford no profitable instruc- 
tion or real improvement in morals, in understanding, or in 
the temper of the mind ; and the time employed therein is in 
general misspent, or spent to a bad purpose. " There is but 
little need to drive away that by foolish divertisements which 
flies away so swiftly of itself; and when once gone is never 
to be recalled. Plays, balls, treats, romances, music, love- 



* See Yearly Meeting's Epistle, 1723, 1762, Ac. 



PREFACE. Vll 

sonnets, and the like, will be a very invalid plea for any other 
purpose than their condemnation, who are taken and de- 
lighted therewith, at the revelation of the righteous judgment 
of God." — William Penn's No Cross No Crown, chap. 15, sec- 
tion 7. None, I believe, are better or wiser for the hours they 
pass in perusing such productions. The greater part, being 
the invention of corrupt minds, have a very corrupting influ- 
ence. And those which appear most plausible, are too gene- 
rally formed to fill the head with romantic ideas and airy 
imaginations; to flatter our pride, infuse a taste for sensual 
pleasures, nourish our propensity to worldly grandeur, and 
the desire of great possessions, and to bring the mind into a 
dissipated state; operating in a direction opposite to the grace 
of God, which bringeth salvation, and teacheth us to deny all 
ungodliness and worldly lusts ; and to live soberly, righteously, 
and godly in this present world. 

For these reasons I am induced to cast in my mite to this 
concern of the Society I am connected with in religious fel- 
lowship, for the preservation of their members from these 
hurtful pursuits ; desiring they may receive the word of ex- 
hortation to refrain from unprofitable or prejudicial composi- 
tions, as well as to peruse with seriousness such as tend to 
impress the mind with religious considerations, and influence 
it to the practice of piety and virtue. 

I have reason to believe it was a practice with the author 
of the ensuing pages, to take frequent reviews of his life, 
keeping an account thereof, in order to take a more minute 
retrospection, and to form a more precise judgment how he 
was prepared and preparing for the final account; a pro- 
fitable, rational and religious exercise, which it might be 
advantageous for all to employ themselves in, every day of 
their lives. At three different periods he commenced a review 
of the whole, I imagine, with a more extensive view ; but 
had proceeded only a little way in the last, when he was 
removed from this life. I have traced the last as far as it was- 
carried forward, and the second to the end ; and from that 
period, having collected what authentic memorials I could, 



Vlll PREFACE. 

have in a supplement continued the narration to the end of 
his life. 

I have also annexed an epistle to Friends in Ireland, which 
I found amongst the papers from whence the following 
memoirs are compiled, which seems designed for publication, 
and in which there are many observations well worthy the 
attention of those to whom it is addressed, and of others 
into whose hands it may fall. 

Johis t Gough. 



A Testimony from the Men's Meeting of Dub- 
lin, concerning James Gough, deceased. 



It having pleased Divine Providence to remove from us by 
death our worthy friend James Gough, we feel our minds 
impressed to give forth the following testimony concerning 
him: — 

By authentic accounts we find he was born at Kendal, in 
Westmoreland, in the year 1712. And, in his young years, 
was made sensible of an inward monitor to reprove his pro- 
pensity to evil, and convince him of the error of his ways, 
which made at times profitable impressions on his mind for a 
season. But, through the instability of youth, these impres- 
sions proved not deep enough to be lasting, till about the 
twenty-first year of his age, when he removed from the North 
of England to Bristol. It pleased divine Goodness to favor 
him with a fresh and prevailing visitation of his love, where- 
by he was made willing to give up, in self-denial and circum- 
spection of life, to yield obedience to his requirings, who in 
his fatherly loving kindness had thus visited his soul ; and 
by the gradual operation of the divine power therein, he ex- 
perienced a growth in the work of sanctification, and was 
thereby formed into a vessel prepared for the Master's use. 

About the year 1738, he removed from Bristol, and settled 
in Cork, and soon after he came forth in a public testimony 
to the virtue and efficacy of that truth, which himself had 
experienced the beneficial effects of; and growing in his gift, 
he became an able minister of the gospel, and an instrument 
of service in the church. 



X A TESTIMONY, ETC., CONCERNING 

His first journey in the work of the ministry was in the 
year 1740, to the counties of Cumberland, Westmoreland, 
Lancashire, and part of Yorkshire. His next, to Leinster 
Province; and in the summer of 1743, he visited the meetings 
of Friends through the Principality of Wales, and many 
parts of England ; in the course of which visit, he attended 
the Yearly Meeting of Wales, with those of Bristol and Lon- 
don. Soon after his return he thought it his duty to remove 
into Leinster Province, and fixed his residence in Mountme- 
lick, where his service became extensive, being in the centre 
of a large body of Friends. He almost constantly attended 
our Province, Quarterly and National Meetings, where he was 
often drawn forth in the pure streams of gospel love, to the 
refreshment and edification of Friends. In the year 1774, he 
settled in this city, where he was well received and well be- 
loved, his innocent life and conversation adorning his gospel 
labors amongst us, being filled with love to mankind in gen- 
eral, and in particular to the flock and family with whom he 
was joined in religious fellowship. 

He followed his occupation of schoolmaster for some time 
in this city, but, in his advanced years, not being sufficiently 
able to bear the fatigue and confinement attendant on that 
employment, and being desirous to be more at liberty for the 
exercise of his gift, he gave it up; and for the last three years 
of his being a member of this meeting, travelled much abroad 
in the different quarters of this nation, visiting the meetings, 
and in many places the families of Friends, to stir up the 
pure mind by way of remembrance, and to provoke to love 
and good works. 

Being on a religious visit to Friends in the Province of 
Munster, and having proceeded to the city of Cork, where he 
was engaged in a visit to the families of Friends, and had 
with much diligence nearly finished the same, it pleased the 
Sovereign Ruler of the universe, in whose hands our lives 
are, there to put a period to his labors, and to remove him 
fror works to rewards. Being seized with indisposition, and 
following the service before him too closely, as was appre- 



JAMES GO UGH, DECEASED. xi 

hended, it increased upon him to such a degree as brought 
on his dissolution, and he quietly departed this life, at the 
house of our Friend Joseph Garratt, in said city, where he 
was affectionately and tenderly attended and taken care of 
during his illness, we believe in peace with the Lord, and 
much regretted by Friends here and elsewhere, amongst 
whom his zealous labors will be much missed. 

We desire that the removal of faithful laborers may be so 
laid to heart by their survivors, as that they may be incited 
to copy their examples, tread the same steps to blessedness, 
and thereby be qualified to fill their vacant places with pro- 
priety. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for 
the end of that man is peace." 

He departed this life the 6th of the Tenth Month, 1780, and 
was buried in the burying-ground belonging to Friends of 
said city, the 9th of the same. Aged sixty-seven ; a minister 
forty-one years. 

Signed in and on behalf of our men's meeting, held in 
Dublin, the 10th of the Fourth Month, 1781. 

John Bancroft, Thomas Bewley, 

Eobert Clibborn, John Dawson Coats, 

Benjamin Byrne, Joseph Williams, 

Henry Astick, Joshua Clibborn, 

Eobert Freeman, John Eobinson, 

Thomas Fayle, Jonathan Hill, 

Thomas Thacker, Joseph Pike, 

Benjamin Glome Joseph Sandwith, 

William North, William Jackson, 

John Smithson, William Knott, 

David Newland, Thomas Bewley, Jr., 

John Eobinson, Samuel Eussel, 

Joshua Forbes. Thomas Barrington. 



INTRODUCTION. 



For my own future benefit, and for theirs too, into 
whose hands it may fall, I am induced to commit to 
writing the following review of my days, now in the sixty- 
sixth year of my age. Since we are launched on the 
ocean of life, our principal care ought to be to steer our 
course through it to the port of rest and unmixed felicity, 
though it be through hardship and self-denial; since, if 
we fail of this at last, it is then too late to amend it. 

Could all the pleasures and advantages of this life be 
attained and enjoyed perfect and unmixed to its close, 
they would be no compensation for the loss of happiness 
in a future and immortal state. But those pleasures and 
advantages never can be so enjoyed by any one, unless 
his passions and inclinations are subject to the govern- 
ment of God, who alone ought to govern his creatures, 
and who discovers his will to the humble attentive mind. 
The temporary enjoyers of the good things of this life, 
may show an appearance of pleasure to ignorant specta- 
tors, while they seem to float, without interruption, in the 
midst of gratifications and amusements; yet a secret 
worm is often felt by them, gnawing at the root of their 
exaltation and grandeur. 

It is the universal regard of Omnipotence, which re- 
bukes them for letting loose the reins of their lusts or 
eager inclinations, designing thereby their timely refor- 
mation for their everlasting good. He often opposes the 
ambitious and proud iiTtheir career with the unwelcome 



XIV INTRODUCTION. 

discovery, that they are engaged in other pursuits than 
those that heaven designed for them ; not applying their 
precious time and talents to the great and good purpose 
for which they were given. Sometimes He displays the 
beauties and benefits of rectitude, deserted by them ; and 
sometimes the horror and sad consequence of persisting 
in the neglect or violation of duty thus discovered, on the 
one hand, and counteracted by them on the other. 

Hence, too generally, disliking the check to present 
ease and pleasure, such as are intrusted with the means 
of doing good, and helping others on their way, turn their 
attention from this omnipresent monitor, this faithful 
bosom friend ; they fly to tempting vanities, to soothing 
deceptions, to amusing recreations ; they bear their heads 
aloft among the envying multitudes, and seek to drown 
his salutary admonitions in splendor, noise, intemperance 
and dissipation. 

Many such I have known, who are now gone to their 
long homes, whom in my younger years I envied. 

I have been so foolish as to transfer my envy from 
them, after they disappeared, to their vain and short-lived 
successors ; many of whom are also gone, and so will it 
be with the rest ere long. And then what follows to 
those that have left their heaven behind them? who, 
assuming to themselves the direction that was due to 
God, have refused to reverence and obey his laws? Ah, 
then the enviers and the envied, like the blind led by the 
blind, fall into one abyss. Unfit for the regions of pure 
love to God and each other, of perfect peace, of joy un- 
speakable and full of glory, they are debarred from 
admission into them. Associated with rebellious spirits, 
their bitterness, envy, resentment, eager desires ungrati- 
fied, unceasing vexation and anguish descend with them, 
in an unbodied state. 



INTRODUCTION. XV 

A sensual earthly mind is too much vitiated to relish 
the pure joys, or to suit the society of the spirits of the 
just made perfect. Goodness is painful to the wicked, 
being so contrary to the depravity of their nature. Heaven 
would be no heaven to them. 

A change of heart is necessary to be experienced by 
every man, from a state of nature to a state of grace; 
from earthly and sensual dispositions and affections, to 
holy and heavenly, in order to be fitted for the fruition 
of, as well as the admission into, the kingdom of heaven. 
It is then the greatest wisdom, while time and opportu- 
nity are afforded, to use all diligence to attain that state 
of mind in which we may be prepared, when all the 
transitory delights, amusements and desirable objects of 
this world fail, to be received into everlasting habitations. 
Our hearts ought to be filled with thankfulness to God, 
who in his universal love to mankind, hath provided for 
them a physician, able and willing to heal all nations, to 
create clean hearts, and renew right spirits in all who 
submit to him and follow his directions. 

But in order to attain this desirable state, we must 
make a total surrender of ourselves to the divine will 
revealed to us, in daily self-denial and fidelity ; persever- 
ing therein to the end of our days, ardent in desire to do 
good, and to be conformed to the mind of our Creator. 

The less we look unnecessarily into the world, or covet 
its honors, favors, friendship and greatness, and the more 
we look to God with an eye single, and covet his honor, 
favor, friendship and riches, the more shall we experience 
a growth in the very root, and in all the branches of 
the divine life, that we may be as a chaste spouse to Christ 
in every desire and aim, in every motion of the mind, 
and its companion the body too. Surely He ever merits 



XVI INTRODUCTION. 

it from us, even He who has graciously visited, and from 
day to day invited and called us* out of the spirit and 
ways of the world, to join Himself, in order to partake 
with Him and his, of pure peace and joy in the present 
life, and infinitely in a future state. His call is, " come 
out from among them, and be ye separate ; touch no un- 
clean thing, and I will receive you, and I will be a father 
to you," &c. 

By this call were our honorable predecessors in the 
beginning separated from the spirit and ways of the 
world, and incited to refuse touching the unclean thing, 
or whatever sprang from an impure source, what persecu- 
tion soever that refusal might cost them ; knowing that 
He whom they obeyed and in whom they trusted, would 
carry them through all opposition, which they expe- 
rienced, to their unspeakable joy, to be fulfilled, and many 
of them testified it to the world, both living and dying. 

Those happy men and women, through their faithful 
labors, with the divine blessing upon them, left the Lord's 
vineyard well fenced and clean, having gathered out the 
stones thereof, and abounding with the excellent fruits of 
the holy Spirit of Christ. 

After this, degeneracy stole in, a revolting to the world, 
imbibing its spirit, resuming its customs, language and 
manners ; which has since widely spread and overflowed 
like a deluge, broken down the fence, and introduced an 
unhappy change in the state of our Society. 

Yet there is no change in God or his laws. O then, 
that we may speedily return back to Him and them, and 
to that state from whence we have fallen, else great is it to 
be feared, will be our condemnation. 

Having premised these brief observations, I now pro- 
ceed to the narrative of my own life. 



MEMOIR 



OF 



JAMES GOUGH. 



CHAPTER I. 

BIRTH AND PARENTAGE. 

EDUCATION. REMARKS ON HIS NATURAL PROPENSITY TO 
EVIL. OBSERVATIONS ON THE CONCERN OF FRIENDS FOR 
THE WELFARE OF THE YOUTH IN WESTMORELAND. ENTERS 
THE SCHOOL OF DAVID HALL, AT SKIPTON, AS AN USHER. 
COMMENTS ON TWO OF HIS ASSOCIATES. NARROW ESCAPE 
FROM GREAT DANGER AT LIVERPOOL. 

I was born at Kendal, in Westmoreland, on the 27th 
of Twelfth Month, 1712, and my parents, John and Mary 
Gough, professing the truth as held by the people called 
Quakers, I received my education in the same profession. 
My mother, who was an industrious, careful, well-minded 
woman, taught me to read ; and when I was a little 
turned of five years of age, I commenced a scholar in 
Friends' school in my native town, under the tuition of 
Thomas Rebanks, at which school I continued till my 
fifteenth year. Having a good genius, and a propensity 
to learning, I attained with facility and readiness, the 
Latin and Greek languages; and my quick proficiency 
therein — I being of little stature for my age — excited 
admiration, procured me the fame of a great scholar, vastly 
magnified my little stock of attainments ; and also intro- 
duced me to the notice of several persons of eminence in 
2* 



18 MEMOIR OF 

the town, who would frequently question me in respect to 
my learning, and were generally pleased with my ready 
answers. 

In particular, a distinguished justice of the peace, with 
his wife, took a singular notice of me, admitting me, young 
as I was, to free conversation with them ; and introducing 
me, at times, into grand company which frequented their 
house. The said justice would say, that if my parents 
w T ould give me up to him, he would send me to the Uni- 
versity to receive a proper education. This flattered my 
ambition, as it was what at that time I heartily wished for. 

By these means the seeds of wild nature, the noxious 
weeds of pride and vain conceit, the produce of every 
soil, received strength and nourishment in my early mi- 
nority, and shot up high for my childish age. 

But in some sort to counterbalance these incentives to 
pride and airy notions, I had the advantage of receiving 
my education in a place, in and about which there lived 
many worthy Friends, whose exemplary lives and reli- 
gious care and labors, often in my early years made good 
impressions on my mind, which, though my own propen- 
sities soon effaced them, left fixed upon my breast an 
honorable esteem for those truly good men and women, 
with painful reflections under the sense of my own infi- 
delity, and secret wishes for that happy condition, which 
I really believed them to be established in, by Christ their 
Redeemer and Sovereign. 

My understanding was enlightened, when very young, 
to see both my own deficiencies in duty, and those of 
many others more advanced in years ; and I thought, if 
I lived to be a man, their harms should be my warnings. 

I remember a worthy minister, Joseph Jordan, from 
Virginia, having had the small-pox at a Friend's house in 



JAMES (JOUG.H. 19 

Kendal, and being raised up again ; at the first meeting 
which he got to after it, was drawn out in such a moving 
manner in his ministry, that the meeting in general 
seemed to be impressed with great tenderness under it ; 
and I then, though but very young, had a share therein. 
The desirableness of living so as to obtain divine favor, 
seemed to be very clearly and strongly set before our 
view. And the opportunity had some good effect upon 
my mind for a short season. 

Here we may remark the advantage that accrues to 
religious society, and to meetings, where they are favored 
with a number of faithful elders, living ministers, and 
spiritually-minded friends ; men of truth, " fearing God 
and hating covetousness." The liveliness of their spirits, 
the clearness of their sight, and the uniformity of their 
conduct and conversation, qualify them to show the peo- 
ple how they should walk in the pursuit of peace, both 
by precept and example ; precepts drawn from the living 
spring of experience, and examples formed by a w r atchful 
attention to the pointings and limitations of truth. I 
remember some whose very countenances seemed to com- 
mand awe, and impress observers with serious considera- 
tion ; as the salt of the earth, seasoning those amongst 
whom they walked, with a sense of the truth which lived 
and predominated in them ; under the powerful influence 
thereof, these kept up meetings both for worship and dis- 
cipline, and were enabled thereby to keep things in good 
order, as themselves were a good savor in their allot- 
ments. On the other hand, we may observe that where 
the elders and active friends are not under this qualifica- 
tion ; but under the form, are suffering their hearts to go 
after their covetousness, secretly departing from under 
the influence of this divine principle, the cause and pre- 



20 M E M I K P 

valence of truth too often decline amongst the different 
ranks of the people, " as in the day when a standard- 
bearer fainteth." 

My mother made it her maxim in her plan of educa- 
tion, to accustom her children to useful employment, 
frugal fare, and to have our wills crossed, in order hereby 
to render us better fitted to undergo any future hardships 
in life that might be allotted to us. And I have reason 
to think that her care and endeavors, with the examples 
and labors of good friends, were to me as "bread cast 
upon the waters," which appeared after many days. In 
the intervals of school hours, she would be for employing 
me in one useful occupation or other. This I thought a 
great hardship ; and being much mortified thereby, I ex- 
erted my wits to evade it, often feigning pretences of 
school-tasks and exercises, set me by my master, and 
such like groundless excuses. 

The great duty of education, to discharge it rightly, 
needs divine instruction and assistance, as much as any 
duty in life, and therefore parents have need fervently to 
pray for it, and faithfully to follow it when received. 
Otherwise they may be in danger of falling short, and 
the deviations and miscarriages of the children, at least 
in part, may lie at their doors. 

But if my mother might seem to err on the one hand, 
viz : that of severity, it is to be feared that the far greater 
number err on the other hand, that of indulgence and 
connivance ; and that though the former be more painful 
for the present, yet the latter generally proves more per- 
nicious in its effects and future consequences. I verily 
believe I have enjoyed a better state of health from being 
brought up in a hardy way, as my constitution was but 
weak and tender. 



JAMES GOUGH. 21 

Upon a review of my state at this age, my recollection 
represents it as a complication of ambition, envy, craft 
and deceit ; but even then, a divine monitor was near 
me, to manifest and reprove the corruption of my heart 
and the evil of my ways. I was sensible of my mother's 
anxious care for my preservation from evil, and attain- 
ment of good ; but I eluded as much as I could the con- 
finement which she thought conducive thereto, in keeping 
me under her own eye, and out of the way of corrupting 
company. I loved liberty ; I sought it with eagerness, 
frequently got it by craft, and abused it to my hurt, as 
inexperienced young people are apt to do. 

In this state, I well remember, I was afraid and ashamed 
to meet with good Friends, such as I loved and honored, 
being inwardly convicted from the consciousness of my 
own vile and unguarded conduct. Sometimes I received 
from some of them the reproof I deserved ; and some- 
times I thought their very silence rebuked me. At other 
times, in their company, the love and desire of goodness 
revived with a strong force ; but being withdrawn there- 
from, yielding to temptation often reinstated vice in its 
wonted seat in my heart, and in the direction of my 
conduct. 

I easily and clearly saw the wide difference between 
good and bad company, and how much the former was 
preferable; yet the powerful allurements of the latter, 
forcibly drew me into and held me fast in a wretched 
captivity thereto, manifestly contrary to my better judg- 
ment, which I fear is the case of many others. 

There being a large body of Friends in the county of 
Westmoreland and the adjacent parts, many of our gen- 
eral meetings were very largely attended ; and as it was 
the care of the elders and other Friends concerned for 



21 M E M OIK P 

the welfare of the youth, to encourage them very early to 
attend the meetings of discipline, for their improvement 
in virtue and sobriety; I attended many of these large 
meetings, but too frequently without reaping any share 
of the real benefit intended by them, or receiving any 
other impressions than those of vanity and airy ambition ; 
so that however such meetings were favored with divine 
virtue and power, the dissipation and absence of my fool- 
ish, roving mind, rendered it like the barren heath, not 
profiting by the fruitful shower, or cheering beams of 
the sun. 

There is reason to fear that this may be the case of too 
many young people, who are pleased to go to these large 
meetings from other motives than those of piety, and for- 
getful of the intent and design of them, indulge their 
corrupt inclinations in very unseasonable gaiety and fes- 
tivity. What the faithful laborers in the church endeavor 
to build up, these in their unguarded conduct pull dowm, 
and sometimes bring reproach and disagreeable reflec- 
tions on their religious profession. 

Had these meetings been constantly beautified with a 
uniformity in the conduct of professors, consistent with 
the divine principle of truth and the doctrines of its 
faithful ministers, they would have proved of much greater 
service. For as the truth is in itself unspotted, and its 
excellency unchangeable, the glory and dignity thereof 
would have shined forth very amiably and attractively 
in the eyes of the nations, had not the misconduct of its 
professors frequently and extensively eclipsed its genuine 
lustre; which merits the solid consideration of all who 
have been educated, or have joined in profession with us; 
both when they attend such meetings, and at all other 
times. 



1727.] JAMES GOtFGH. 23 

Being arrived at my fifteenth year, my mother was 
anxious to have me put to some business. Through her 
persuasion, my father, in the course of his travels, spoke- 
to David Hall, the memoirs of whose life are extant, and 
for whom my mother had an honorable esteem, and agreed 
with him to take me as usher to his school, desiring no 
other terms for me but my board, and such instruction as 
he might see I yet needed ; which gave my mother great 
satisfaction. 

She accompanied me to his house at Skipton in York- 
shire. Here I experienced the advantage of the educa- 
tion she had given me, for thereby I was prepared to sub- 
mit more willingly to continual employ and hardship. 
And though many of the boys coming from full houses 
and plentiful tables, thought their fare here mean, as in- 
deed the price for both boarding and tuition was but eight 
pounds per annum, yet to me it was in general otherwise. 

There happened to be in the family at this time two 
youths, whose cases or events in life, I think not impro- 
per to mention, by way of caution ; but their names I 
would wish to be buried in oblivion, unless they may yet 
be favored with repentance to salvation. 

The one was a lodger in the house. He was a valu- 
able pattern and very helpful in the family. I esteemed 
him to be in a happy condition, and still believe he was 
so at that time. He had a few w T ords in the ministry, and 
grew in his gift; but afterwards becoming exalted, and 
too fond of applause, he fell into the snares of the grand 
enemy, and brought a reproach on the truth, and on the 
ministry. What need hath he that standeth, or thinketh 
he standeth, to take heed lest he fall ! 

The other Avas at that time an apprentice to David Hall. 
He was afterwards a minister, well esteemed among many 



24 MEMOIR OF [1728. 

Friends ; but alas ! he also shamefully fell. And what ren- 
ders the case of these, my formerly well-beloved friends, 
still more melancholy, is, that though there is a balm in 
Gilead, yet they and others, whom the enemy has thus 
wounded and poisoned, will not turn to the physician 
there, but rather endeavor to have their wounds deceit- 
fully healed. 

I remember to have heard one, who had basely fallen in 
an unguarded hour, boasting a few years after, that he had 
been washed in the bottom of Jordan, and had brought up 
stones of memorial ; and this in an affected ministerial way, 
when it appeared not to be the case to any but himself; 
but rather that the poor man was still under the deception 
of the crafty enemy, willing to deceive himself, and wanting 
to deceive others, while he was at best but very superficially 
washed from deep defilements. Judgment had not had its 
perfect work, though he was very willing to think, and to 
have it thought by others, that it had ; and to evade that 
awful consideration, that the most pure and righteous God 
is jealous of his honor, and requires our going clean through 
all that humiliation, labor and patience, which his light in 
the conscience discovers to be necessary for repairing the 
dishonor incurred. All palliations or softening excuses; 
all arts to conciliate human compassion and favor, are but 
like fig-leaf coverings, through which the nakedness of 
transgressors is manifest to such as are endued with true 
sight, and like daubing over destructive breaches with un- 
tempered mortar. But enough of this digression, wishing 
it may prove useful where needed. 

When I had staid in my service at Skipton a little 
more than a year, my master gave me leave to return 
to Kendal to see my relations. He made me the bearer 
also of a letter to my father, wherein he signified, that 



1729.] JAMES GO UGH. 25 

considering my years, he approved of my qualifications 
and conduct, and offered wages for my future service. 
My mother took little notice of the offer ; but was exceed- 
ingly rejoiced at the other part of the letter, as giving her 
better hopes on my behalf than she hitherto had. 

In the course of the succeeding year, by agreement 
between my father and my master, I spent three months 
with Richard Kennedy, writing master in Liverpool, to 
improve myself in writing, and learn some branches of 
the mathematics. One Seventh-day while here, having 
always a great propensity to see towns and places that 
were new to me ; I went to see the city of Chester, and 
lodged two nights at Peter Leadbetter's ; in my return by 
Eastham ferry, which is five miles across to Liverpool, 
an elderly gentlewoman having got some play-books in the 
boat, I offered to read for her: as I was reading, some 
horses in the boat grew unruly, which terrified her very 
much ; so that she put by her play-books, and while we 
were in the boat, would no more touch them herself, or 
suffer me to touch one of them. 

Many remarkable preservations I had in my younger 
days ; but the most remarkable was during my residence 
at Liverpool, which happened as follows : One First-day, 
in the afternoon, I went with some other boys a boating in 
the dock, which, by means of flood-gates, was kept so full 
of water as to keep the ships afloat when the tide was out. 
We rowed several times from one end of the dock to the 
other. At length some rude boys, that were stronger than 
we, took from us our oar, or oars, and this in all probability 
proved the means of our preservation. For now we found 
ourselves obliged to work our way with our hands by the 
ships to the upper end of the dock. Just as we reached 
it, we heard a noise as of the loudest thunder; climbing 
3 



26 MEMOIR OF [1733. 

up from the boat unto the quay, we soon found that the 
dock gates, being grown old w T ere broken down. The 
water rushing out in a rapid torrent, bore down all be- 
fore it, oversetting and greatly damaging several vessels 
that lay near. The frightful nearness of such a danger, 
and narrow escape from it so affected my mind, as to in- 
vade my sleep that night, and* repeat itself again to my 
imagination with aggravations of horror. 

At the expiration of my three months here, I went to 
Kendal Yearly Meeting, where my father, being just ar- 
rived from a journey, in which he had made his way 
through Skipton, informed me that he had agreed with 
David Hall to bind me to him for four years longer ; this 
was no agreeable intelligence to me, for although I hon- 
ored my worthy master, yet every thing else was not as I 
could wish it. I thought I could foresee much hardship 
to be unavoidably my lot ; yet as my father had so agreed, 
I thought it my duty to comply. I endeavored to put a 
good heart and face upon it, and so entered upon my part. 
During these four years my master was frequently abroad 
at meetings. He did not often miss the Quarterly Meet- 
ings at York, and sometimes attended the Yearly Meeting 
at London, and then the care of the scholars in and out of 
school lay heavy on me. 

Both before my coming to Skipton, and while I was 
there, I often had fresh desires kindled in my heart after 
redemption. I was clearly shown the necessity of it, and 
the danger of delays in a matter of such consequence ; so 
that I left off playing for a time, thinking it great infatua- 
tion to squander my precious hours in play, when in dan- 
ger of my life, and that too forever. But the most par- 
ticular reach I had, was at a meeting in our schoolhouse, 
under the baptizing ministry of John Fothergill, whereby 



1733.] JAMES (10 UGH. 27 

I was awakened to vigilance for a season, rising early, and 
carefully attending to every step in my business, and the 
duties of my station. But soon, the fervor of this sacred 
flame abated, and I gradually fell back, and became just 
what I was before ; yot I did not forget or wholly lose the 
sense of this day of my visitation; but often privately 
lamented my revolt, and I continued still to maintain a 
good character amongst Friends. 

I do not remember much more than what I have already 
intimated in general of these four years, save that one time, 
when my master was abroad, I thought myself hardly and 
unreasonably used, and thereupon conceived a design to 
run away by night, it being moonlight ; but that kind 
Providence whose fatherly care was over me, when I was 
too little careful for my own well-doing, withheld me. 
When the time proposed for putting my design in execu- 
tion arrived, the pernicious consequences of such a pro- 
cedure, were so clearly manifested to my mind, that I was 
discouraged from the attempt; and therefore concluded 
patiently to endure what might be permitted to befall me, 
till the termination of the time contracted for might bring 
me my release in a reputable and conscientious way. 

Near the expiration of my time I wrote to some of my 
friends, acquainting them that I intended to try some new 
place, and received a letter from my good friend John 
Wilson, of Kendal, signifying that Alexander Arscott, of 
Bristol, wanted an usher, and offered twenty pounds per 
annum. Which offer I readily embraced. 



28 MEM OIK OF [173 



>3. 



CHAPTER II. 

ENTERS THE SCHOOL OP ALEXANDER ARSCOTT, IN BRISTOL. 
REMARKS ON A PLAIN GARB, AND THE DANGERS ATTENDING 
THE RELINQUISHMENT OP IT. IS FAVORED WITH A RENEWED 
DIVINE VISITATION. EXPERIENCES DIVINE FAVOR IN OBE- 
DIENCE AND WATCHFULNESS. COMMENTS THEREON. DEATH 
OF ALEXANDER ARSCOTT. ENGAGES TO TEACH SCHOOL AT 
CORK, AND REMOVES TO IRELAND. 

Leaving Skipton, and the Yearly Meeting at Kendal 
approaching, I went thither, staid a few days with my 
mother, and then set forward for Bristol. In my way at 
Wolverhampton, standing at the door of the inn where I 
alighted, I saw a crowd of people passing by, and heard 
it was a Quaker's funeral ; whereupon I went to it, and 
our friend Joshua Toft, whom I do not remember to have 
seen before, attended it, and was raised up in a large and 
living testimony, whereby I was afresh reached, and con- 
siderably tendered, and thence proceeded on my way, 
under renewed impressions of good upon my mind, to 
Worcester. There I met with William Beesley going to 
Bristol Yearly Meeting, with whom I went in company 
to Gloucester, but my horse being tired I w T as forced to 
leave him behind, and walked the greatest part of the 
remainder of the way in my boots. In a few weeks after, 
that worthy minister and elder, John Richardson, of York- 
shire, landed in company with Robert Jordan from Penn- 
sylvania, who bought my horse for the same price it cost 
me. 

My good master, Alexander Arscott, was like a kind and 
tender father to me. He was the eldest son of the par- 



1738.] JAMES GO UGH. 29 

son of Southmolton, in Devonshire, and himself educated 
at the university of Oxford, with intention to fit him for 
the same function. But when he was just ripe for pre- 
ferment, and might have had a fair prospect that way, his 
father being well beloved and respected among the great 
men in that country, he turned his back on all prospects 
of this kind, being convinced of the blessed truth. This 
was a great mortification to his father and mother, who 
would both sit weeping by him in the bitterness of their 
hearts, as I have heard him relate. This, he added, pierced 
him deeply, as he sincerely desired to be a dutiful son to 
tender and indulgent parents. A cloud came over his 
understanding, and the enemy in his own breast sug- 
gested that he was acting quite wrong. But as he hum- 
bled himself before the Most High, imploring his direc- 
tion, he received a fresh sight that he must forsake father 
and mother for Christ, and be faithful to the manifesta- 
tion of his will, through all events. His parents became 
afterwards better reconciled to his change, when he was 
settled in good business in Bristol, where he kept a school 
for the children of Friends and others, from that time till 
his decease, being about thirty-five years, and proved help- 
ful to the rest of his father's family, in procuring them by 
his interest, places for getting a livelihood. 

I came up to Bristol quite plain in my garb, as David 
Hall would not suffer any other in his family ; and it being 
the time of the Yearly Meeting, at a Friend's house I fell 
in company with some well-minded Friends, one or more 
of whom observed to me, that sundry young people had 
come up in the same way from the north of England to 
the southern parts, particularly to London and Bristol ; and 
after being there awhile, they ran into the fashions of those 
places, till they even outstripped the native inhabitants. 
3* 



30 MEMOIR OF [1788. 

I had not only been educated in plainness, but also 
been inwardly convinced of the foundation on which it 
stood ; and upon hearing this account of the ridiculous 
folly and instability of my country folks, I was sorry 
that they had given occasion of such remarks to their 
dishonor, and took up a resolution to continue steady in 
my own plain way. I do not know that I suffered any 
external disadvantage by it ; but if I had, the cause of 
truth is worth suffering for, and the Almighty rewards 
patient suffering in a good cause. But I found that good 
Friends seemed to love me the more on this account; 
and even others, who were conscious of their degeneracy, 
seemed to respect me, as apprehending me to be better 
than themselves ; and I had most peace of mind in con- 
tinuing in my wonted plainness, though I was like a 
speckled bird, there being even then very few plain- 
dressed young people or others in the meeting of Bristol. 
I have observed that deviating from this path of plain- 
ness, which Truth leads into, and making departures in 
dress, opens the way to intimate connection with young 
people out of our Society, or libertines in it ; and so leads 
further and further from a due subjection to Christ's 
kingdom and government, often making them forget and 
lose the good which they formerly professed, and conse- 
quently draws them along into the utmost danger ; where- 
as, adhering to the truth and its plain path, opens the 
way for safer and more profitable and edifying connec- 
tions, as I often found here, to my solid inward satisfac- 
tion, which I hope I shall never forget. 

I was now removed far from all my connections, my 
parents, relations and the place of my nativity ; and was* 
here as a stranger in a strange land, having at first little 
or no acquaintance in my new residence. In this solitary 



1733.] JAMES GO UGH. 31 

situation, it pleased divine Goodness to take notice of me, 
and to favor me afresh with a merciful and reaching 
visitation of his love to my soul, and more clearly to 
reveal his Son in me, whereby I was given plainly to see 
that my safety here and happiness hereafter depended 
upon my yielding faithful obedience to his requirings, as 
manifested by his light in my heart ; and that his requir- 
ings would be only what tended to my real good and 
lasting welfare. 

This was a day of my soul's espousal to Christ Jesus. 
I was overcome with his love, and with admiration of his 
condescending goodness to such an unw T orthy creature. 
It being the day of the Lord's power, I was ready and 
willing to do anything that I saw I ought to do. 

Having a strong inclination to poetry, I had sometimes 
at Skipton indulged my fancy therein. But now, when 
the Lord's power took hold of me, I sacrificed all my 
idols and burned all my collection of poems, even though 
some of them were on what w T ould be called good sub- 
jects; for they had too much attracted my mind and 
engrossed my thoughts. I was made sensible that these 
poems were not my proper business, that they took the 
place of what w T as really so, and therefore I gave them 
up. I now saw that I must shut out and leave behind 
me what others generally crave and pursue, viz : the vain 
desires and delights which lead away the mind from that 
great Being, who woos us to true happiness. 

And indeed my whole delight was in the company of 
Christ, my dear Lord and Master. I was directed by Him 
to do all things well, and to bear all things with meek- 
ness. As on my part I carefully regarded and practised 
his directions, my soul enjoyed the sweet sense of his ap- 
probation. I preferred this before all the world, which 



32 MEMOIR OF [17& 



I saw to be of little value compared with the favor of its 
Almighty Creator. To please Him, I thought well worth 
all the toil and suffering of the day ; and the desire of 
doing it, increased my industry and strengthened my pa- 
tience. Thus I enjoyed a good time, and was often over- 
come with the love and kindness of my dear Redeemer. 

In Him I had now a Father, a Guardian, and a Friend, 
and an excellent one indeed, who embraced me with the 
most engaging affection, when I applied myself to do 
everything rightly. All friends and relations, with all 
kinds of enjoyments, seemed to centre in Him alone, for 
He alone amply supplied all, and having Him was having 
everything that was good. In his presence there could 
be no want. It was, then, no hard matter for me to deny 
every corrupt desire, for his sake ; and to renounce the 
objects which had formerly pleased me too well, and of 
which I had been foolishly fond , and yet for the rejec- 
tion of these things, which had clone me no good, but 
harm, I ever found Him a rich rewarder. 

In his presence I could envy no man, however rich, 
eminent, or seemingly happy ; but I loved all men as his 
workmanship, and wished that all would come to Him, 
and in and with Him be truly happy forever. 

Bidding farewell to the world and its vanities, whose 
beauty and alluring lustre were tarnished and eclipsed in 
my eyes, through the superior brightness of the Sun of 
Righteousness shining in my heart, I loved solitude that 
I might seek Him, who was now become the life of my 
life, and wait for his fresh appearing to me, who brought 
with Him not only light to show me my blemishes and 
defects, but animating fortitude, fervent desire, and divine 
help to withstand and surmount corrupt habits and pro- 
pensities, and vigilantly, in the secret of the soul, to guard 



1733.] JAMES GOUGH. 33 

against the first rising of any imagination, or inclination 
that was not consistent with the pure, holy discoveries of 
his blessed Spirit. Thus, with the royal Psalmist, Psal. 
xvi. 11: In his presence I found fulness of joy. My 
mind was moulded into a divine frame, a new creation of 
pure love to God and to men, wherein the heavens and 
the earth in a sweet harmony, seemed to show forth the 
power, wisdom and goodness of the one good Father and 
preserver of the whole. I rejoiced that I had lived to see 
such a day, wherein I had a sure evidence in my own 
bosom of being translated to a better world, to live for- 
ever united to Him and his, if I should then be snatched 
from this. 

Happy had it been for me, had I continued on steadily 
in my progress towards perfection, through following his 
guidance towards it ; but being in a great city, I some- 
times looked out, and thereby again raised sensual de- 
sires, which demanded to be gratified, and were too often 
obeyed, when in my power, by which I again did harm 
to myself, and gave away my inward strength and forti- 
tude for walking faithfully, as Samson gave away his 
to Delilah. Yet I still bore a good character, and many 
looked upon me as a young man of steady conduct ; but 
by a painful feeling of my own instability I knew myself 
better. 

A good condition is easily lost for want of duly observ- 
ing our blessed Lord's direction to watch and pray, lest 
we enter into temptation. While I observed this, I daily 
and hourly found the benefit of it, in my rising up and 
lying down, and on my bed in the night season, having 
my heart and affections wholly set on Christ, and the 
great end of his having given me existence, blessing his 
name for so revealing his goodness to me, renewing cove- 



34 MEM OIK OF [1733. 

nant with Him, and watching against every thought that 
had a tendency to carry away my mind, and separate it 
from Him. 

I rose early, implored Him to direct me how to spend 
every part of the day, most to the honor of his name ; 
and to aid me to exert myself in the full discharge of my 
duty every way ; and O ! many times in the day, great 
peace and solid satisfaction flowed in my soul for attend- 
ing to and following his internal directions. Everything 
went well and in proper order, through this constant care 
to walk exemplarily, and act faithfully in the duties of 
my place and station in life. And many times in the 
evening of a well-spent day, my soul overflowed with the 
sweet earnest of the heavenly and everlasting reward, 
reserved for perseverance in well-doing. 

Sometimes, to everybody that I saw, I felt great love to 
rise in my heart, and a tender well-wishing desire for 
them, that their souls might partake with mine of the 
hidden treasures of the unutterable love of Christ, and the 
joy of his salvation. 

May I never forget the day of this his most engaging 
kindness, and of my espousals to Him. I may say truth 
is truth, unchangeably excellent, holy, pure and perfectly 
good. It leads to everything that is best, and upholds in 
it, and rewards for every act and instance of self-denial 
in obedience to its dictates. Ever worthy to be admired, 
adored, reverenced, loved and served by all the nations 
in the world, as that which alone would make all happy 
in true love, and preserve all in pure and spotless order 
everywhere. So would earth resemble heaven, and its 
inhabitants be linked in a holy, blessed society with 
Christ, with angels and the spirits of the just made per- 
fect, in enjoying together the brightness of his presence, 



1737.] JAMES (IOUGH. 35 

in whose presence is joy, and at whose right hand are 
rivers of pleasure for evermore. For this our Lord prayed 
to his Father on behalf of his disciples : " sanctify them 
through thy truth, thy w T ord is truth." 

I continued in Bristol upwards of four years, living 
with my worthy master, for whom I had a great and de- 
served esteem, as assistant or usher in his school, to the 
time of his death, which happened the latter end of my 
fourth year there, he being seized w T ith a disease which 
gradually weakened him, till at last in a sweet frame of 
mind he departed this life, generally regretted by Friends 
and others, having been a man remarkably serviceable, 
not only as a member of religious, but also of civil soci- 
ety. His character for integrity being so universal that 
he was very much employed in determining differences 
between his fellow citizens, either as arbitrator or umpire, 
so that to the blessing of the peace-maker, he might 
seem to have a title above most. His funeral from the 
Friars Meeting-house was attended by a very great num 
ber of Friends and others. Four Friends appeared pub- 
licly to a very crowded audience, viz : James Tylee, Daniel 
Badger, Isaac Sharpless and Thomas Gawthrop. The next 
day the men's meeting elected Jonathan Nelson, school- 
master of Reading, to succeed him, and desired me to 
keep up the school till it might be convenient for him to 
come, which I did, and at his coming resigned it to him. 

Being informed that Friends at Cork, in Ireland, wanted 
a schoolmaster, I agreed to go thither to serve them in that 
capacity; so calling to see and take leave of my brother, 
who lived with Thomas Bennett at Pickwick, in Wilt- 
shire, in the station of usher to his school, I went from 
thence to Gloucester, and was at the two meetings there 
on First-day, which were poor small meetings. On Sec- 



36 MEMOIR OF [1737. 

ond-day I rode to Worcester, and staid there at my kind 
friend William Beesley's over Third-day. The week-day 
meeting there, was to me a tendering season, both in 
silence and under the lively ministry of old John Corbyn : 
towards the week's end I reached Kendal, where I stayed 
two or three weeks; during which stay, my father took a 
fever and died. A day or two after his funeral, I left 
Kendal and returned to Bristol, from whence, after wait- 
ing sometime for a wind, I took shipping for Cork, in 
company with Doctor Rutty, of Dublin, who had been at 
the Yearly Meeting in London, and amongst his relations 
in Wiltshire, and was also waiting for a passage to Cork. 

I was affected with an awftd impression on my first em- 
barking ; which put me on considering on what founda- 
tion I ventured my life upon the water. On that head I 
was soon favored with inward satisfaction, and resignation 
to Divine providence. 

The wind being unfavorable, we had a very tedious 
passage, being ten days on the water from Pill to the cove 
of Cork. It was late at night when we landed at the 
cove, and next morning went up in a boat to Cork, where 
I lodged about two weeks at Jonas Devonsher's, a Friend 
of a large estate, his two sons being under my tuition ; 
and afterwards boarded in a Friend's family till I married. 



1738.] JAMES GOUGH. 37 



CHAPTER III. 

OBSERVATIONS ON THE MEETINGS Off 1 FRIENDS IN IRELAND. 
MARRIAGE TO MARY DOBBS. ACCOUNT OF HIS WIFE'S PAR- 
ENTS, JOHN AND MARTHA DOBBS. KEMARKS ON BUSINESS EN- 
TANGLEMENTS, AND ON LOOKING FOR DIVINE DIRECTION BE- 
FORE ENTERING UPON MARRIAGE. APPEARS IN THE MINIS- 
TRY. CONSIDERATIONS ON THE MINISTRY, AND ON MEETINGS 
OF MINISTBRS AND ELDERS. 

The meetings of Friends in Ireland, and particularly in 
the province of Munster, not lying so contiguous as in many 
parts of England, could not so conveniently be joined sev- 
eral together, to constitute monthly or men's meetings of 
discipline, for transacting the affairs of the church. In 
these parts each particular meeting was a men's meeting 
in itself, and some of the meetings being greatly reduced 
in number, it became the concern of Friends to recom- 
mend to the larger meetings nearest to them, the care of 
visiting these little meetings frequently, to inspect their 
state, and help them by advice and counsel, as occasion 
might require. Two of these meetings, viz : those of Ban- 
don and Youghal, were under the care of Cork's men's 
meeting, which was constant in appointing visits to them 
at the stated times. 

Being now a member of Cork men's meeting, to which 
I was recommended by certificate from Bristol, it fell to 
my lot in company with other Friends, to go upon a visit 
to the meeting of Youghal ; where I met with Mary the 
daughter of John and Martha Dobbs, of said town, a plain 
and orderly young woman. I found my affections closely 
engaged towards her ; and having proposed to her parents 
4 



38 MEMOIR OF [1737. 

my desire to address her in order to marriage, and ob- 
tained their consent, after some time we were married 
there, according to the good order used in our Society. 

John Dobbs, her father, being convinced of the truth 
while he was a student at the University of Oxford, was 
for his fidelity to his religious convictions, disinherited by 
his father, Richard Dobbs, Esq., of Castle-Dobbs, near 
Carrickfergus, of an estate worth several hundred pounds 
per annum, he being his eldest son. 

His father left it to a younger son, who was to pay my 
father-in-law ten pounds per annum out of it, which, dur- 
ing the lifetime of that son, was but indifferently paid, and 
by his prodigality the estate was involved. But his son, 
Arthur Dobbs, late Governor of North Carolina, succeed- 
ing to the inheritance thereof, voluntarily doubled the said 
annual sum, and paid it punctually. My father-in-law hav- 
ing studied physic at the college, practiced it with good suc- 
cess, and great Christian charity to the poor, so as to save 
little from his income that way. 

He had been the favorite of the family, but upon his 
joining in society with Friends, and giving up his whole 
heart to follow the discoveries of the light of Christ in his 
conscience, he was treated by his father with great severity 
as a rebel, and then cast out as an alien. So that he might 
well be said to have forsaken father and brethren, and 
sisters, and houses, and lands, for Christ's sake ; and like 
faithful Abraham, to have offered up to the Lord what- 
ever was dearest to him in this world, and to have trusted 
in God, which was doubtless counted to him for righteous- 
ness. 

Being beloved by friends, he was urged by some to 
have recourse to the law, for the recovery of the family 
estate as his birthright, which he had done nothing to 



1737.] JAMES GO UGH. 39 

forfeit, and assistance offered him for doing it. Where- 
upon he was prevailed with at length to make a begin- 
ning; but not having that inward peace with Christ which 
he preferred before all the world, in the first step of con- 
tention, he put a stop to all further proceedings, and rather 
chose to confide in God without it. 

For a more particular account of him, see the "Collec- 
tion of Friends' Sufferings," Vol. II., and doctor Rutty's 
" History of the Rise and Progress of Truth in Ireland." 
Of him I have only to add, that he made a joyful and 
happy exit out of this world, in an exceedingly thankful 
and triumphant state, with a full assurance of going to 
live forever in a better. He died about seven or eight 
months after our marriage. 

His wife, Martha Dobbs, was convinced of the Truth 
before their marriage, by the dying expressions of that 
handmaid of the Lord, Deborah Sandham. She had a 
few words of public testimony in meeting, survived her 
husband some years, and died in a good old age, having 
been a heavenly-minded woman. 

Previous to my marriage, a small lot of ground offer- 
ing for building on, which was very convenient to my 
school, and the carpenter reckoning he could run up a 
neat small house for a sum I could then spare, having in 
my employment in Bristol and here, saved so much, I ad- 
ventured in conjunction with a friend, to take the ground 
and build upon it, and the house was finished a few weeks 
after our marriage ; but the cost of it came to double the 
sum the carpenter had proposed it might be built for. 
This and some other things filled me with gloomy appre- 
hensions, and I became very dejected in my mind in con- 
sideration of my circumstances, finding I had gone too 
far, and owed what I was not able to pay. However, as 



40 MEMOIR OF [1738. 

my intentions were honest, and my anxiety great that I 
might not by any misconduct blemish the truth, which I 
had been instructed so highly to prize, by industry and 
frugality, and through Divine assistance, in some time I 
got over this difficulty, and paid every farthing. 

It may perhaps appear to some, that the recording of 
such transactions, is of little importance or edification to 
uninterested readers; but it hath not appeared so to me. 
The account of these difficulties, which for want of due 
care and forethought, and a constant, and deep attention 
to the unerring guide, Ave fall into, though more humiliat- 
ing, may perhaps be no less useful for caution, than those 
experiences, which we can review with more heart-felt 
satisfaction, are for encouragement and imitation. Truth 
hath ever led to integrity, punctuality and upright deal- 
ing in our outward affairs, and to limit ourselves to few 
wants, and an humble condition in life, rather than in- 
vade or risk the property of other men. We cannot all 
get a deal of the treasures of this world, nor is it neces- 
sary to our well being. " A man's life consisteth not in 
the abundance of the things which he possesseth," but we 
may all live on a little, if our minds be kept humble, and 
the sensual appetites be subjected to the Cross of Christ. 

My view in relating how I was, undesignedly indeed, 
involved in embarrassed circumstances, is for a caution to 
inexperienced young persons, to be very considerate and 
careful in their expenses, that they be neither lavish on 
things needless or superfluous, nor in things otherwise con- 
venient and lawful, in a measure disproportionate to their 
ability to support clearly out of their own, with honor, 
reputation, and a good conscience; for in this circum- 
stance things lawful in themselves are not lawful or ex- 
pedient for them, that so the profession of truth may not 



1738.] JAMES GOUGH. 41 

suffer reproach by their miscarriage, as it hath done by 
that of too many others, to the great regret of the honest 
and right-minded of our religious Society. Furthermore, 
the narrative of these difficulties and anxieties, that at- 
tended my first setting out in the married state, seems to 
me to convey this instructive lesson to all single young 
persons, who have not good patrimonies, or are not yet well 
settled in some business proper to maintain a family, that 
if they would do well in the w T orld, they should not be hasty 
in this weighty affair ; but consider wisely before they pro- 
ceed toward it. While single, they have only themselves 
to care for ; and if they keep their hearts staid upon the 
Lord, which is far easier for them to do, than when weighed 
down under a load of care and encumbrances, and come 
up faithfully in the way of their duty, they will be happy. 
And by all means let them beware of entering into 
this most interesting engagement, which is for life, on 
which the happiness or unhappiness of this life very prin- 
cipally depends, and by w T hich that of the next may be 
very materially promoted or retarded, till they see that 
the Lord opens their way, and conducts them in it. Then 
the marriage will be honorable, the married will be like- 
minded, standing in the counsel of best wisdom, w r ill be 
truly helpmeets to each other both in their temporal and 
spiritual concerns; joining together with united and pre- 
pared hearts in religious and family duties, and strength- 
ening each other's hands for every good word and work ; 
minding the inspeaking Word, more than the attention 
or opinions, the approbation or censures of the world. 
Such, if they have but little of earthly treasure, are hap- 
pily married. But on any other terms, wmether married 
or unmarried, people are not in a good way ; and it is in- 
finitely better to be married to Christ, than to be married 
4* 



42 MEMOIR OF [1739. 

ever so grandly in the world, out of the Divine counsel 
and covenant. 

As I had a religious desire in my choice, and that I 
might be rightly directed therein, I had reason on the 
whole, notwithstanding these outward discouragements 
aforementioned, to hope that I was so. For my wife was 
the child of good parents, from whom she had received a 
religious education, of orderly conversation, innocent and 
well inclined, and we were in a good degree favored to- 
gether of the Lord, she being free to give me up to every 
service I thought it my duty to engage in. Upon my 
first visit to her, the sense of truth and the solid edifying 
conversation of her worthy parents, deeply fixed the best 
impressions on my spirit, so that in my return home to 
Cork, twenty computed miles, my thankful heart was like 
a cup filled, the tears of divine joy overflowed, and ran 
down my cheeks the greatest part of the way. In this 
thankful frame I reached Cork, and my friends there 
who generally had a love for me, were pleased to see me, 
and to hear such account as I had to give. But then this 
good went off, and the instability of nature succeeded in 
a great degree, though still mixed with a reverent view to 
the better part. 

About four months after our marriage, being at a meet- 
ing at Youghal, my heart was bowed in reverent fear, 
and filled with the sweet influence of God's universal 
love. It then appeared to be my duty, in the clearness 
of that light and the strength of that love, to call to, and 
invite those present to come to Christ, and yield grateful 
obedience to his laws. I had been for several years be- 
fore, fully persuaded that this would be required of me as 
a duty, and had desired never to dare to venture upon it 
until it should be so required. 



1739.] JAMES GO UGH. 43 

Upon this duty being clearly presented to me in this 
meeting, discouragements and obstacles poured into my 
mind in abundance, such as, that if I should deliver the 
words imperfectly, I should be exposed to much specula- 
tion, and become the immediate subject of conversation 
among such as love to catch and propagate matter of 
amusement ; that perhaps the like duty might never be 
required of me again, and in that case I should be likely 
to be talked of for many years, as one who had begun 
and not gone on. Instances occurred of such as had 
preached amongst us for a time, and had either dropped 
it and fallen away, or had on one account or another, in- 
curred a public and general dislike or disgrace, and that 
therefore it might be safer and better for me to rest quiet 
with good wishes for the people, and to exhort in a more 
private way, as I might have opportunity, and a fresh 
concern on my mind. These grounds of hesitation de- 
tained me till a Friend kneeled down to conclude the 
meeting in prayer. 

I then saw clearly, that if the meeting should break 
up without my uttering the exhortation, which was fixed 
with so much weight upon my mind, I should unavoid- 
ably incur the stings of conscious guilt, and the crime of 
disobedience. 

Therefore, not attending to the Friend's public prayer, 
my mind was earnestly and closely exercised in mental 
supplication to the Almighty, that he would abilitate me 
to be faithful. I had a hard struggle and conflict on this 
occasion ; but at length the power of divine faith pre- 
vailed, to the shutting out and putting to silence all man- 
ner of discouraging apprehensions. And w T hen the prayer 
was ended I durst not sit down, fearing I should not have 
power to rise again in time ; but turning about to the 



44 MEM OIK OF [1739. 

meeting and seeing some of the people staring me in the 
face, such was my weakness, that I raised up my hat and 
holding it before my face, I spoke the words which had 
lain with weight on my mind, and sat down. A flood of 
divine joy poured into my heart and filled it all the day; 
I went in this frame of mind into several Friends' fami- 
lies, and my heart being still melted with divine love, the 
tears of joy and thankfulness flowed down my cheeks, 
which some ignorantly mistook for trouble of mind, say- 
ing one to another, they pitied me. 

It was indeed a memorable day to me ; for I seemed to 
myself to be raised above the sordid and sinful inhabit- 
ants of this world, and to be admitted a partner of the 
blessed society of saints and angels, and spirits of just 
men made perfect, through entire obedience rendered to 
their God. 

I had a full assurance in myself, that if then sudden 
death should seize me, I should immediately go to that 
blessed society, to live in a holy and happy communion 
with them forever, to adore that God and Sovereign who 
had so infinitely favored us. And this is the very nature 
of that truly excellent religion with which our dear Re- 
deemer came to bless mankind. 

I might give some account of my services and of good 
effects arising from my obeying the divine manifestation ; 
but accounts of that kind I leave to those who have 
steered more steadily than I have done, and think it more 
proper for me to look to the other side of my case, and 
that with shame and confusion of heart, mixed with 
humble admiration o? divine goodness, which has hitherto 
been great, and blest me with a few heavenly and good 
days, wherein I should not have been afraid of death, or 
of the awful and tremendous judgment which is to follow 



1739.] JAMES G0UGH. 45 

it. Oh! that I may, through faithfulness on my part, 
attain the like again, and that my last day may be my 
best day. But alas, a consciousness of unfaithfulness in 
divers respects is my present companion, though not with 
my will or by design ; but through want of maintaining 
a proper vigilance and devotion, and thereby losing the 
fortitude which I have sometimes been invested with. 

Many of our dear, honorable Friends of the first gen- 
eration in our Society, appear, from the time they were 
drawn to the pure fountain of light, life and love, to have 
adhered thereto with immovable steadfastness to their last 
moments; and a few I have known in my time who have 
arisen and steadily persevered, considering the degeneracy 
of the age, in a faithful attachment of soul to that grace 
and truth which is come by Jesus Christ ; and that have 
washed their robes white in his blood, and have kept 
their garments unspotted. But very few have come up 
to this height, and so continued as with their feet fixed 
upon Mount Sion ; very few have got over the opposing 
mountains of human respect, selfish regards, sensual ap- 
petites, desires of the ease, honors or profits of this world; 
all which tend to debase the soul, darken the judgment, 
eclipse the brightness of heavenly light ; blunt the edge 
of godly resolutions, and contract the corrupting leaven 
and spirit of the world. 

It is lamentable to reflect how many in our age, even 
of the anointed sons and servants of the Lord, have by 
these means gradually declined and dwindled, and at 
length totally fallen off, as Judas did from Christ, and 
Demas from his faithful apostle, and made shipwreck of 
faith and of a good conscience, and brought lasting dis- 
grace on themselves and that good cause in which they 
had been humbly and honestly engaged. Yet truth 



46 MEMOIR OF [1739. 

changes not ; it is the same still, and still able to preserve 
from falling, to build up, and to give an inheritance 
among the sanctified. 

I remember that the above considerations made me 
earnestly pray, that since I had given up, and put my 
hand to the plough, I might never look back to Sodom 
again, like Lot's wife ; but rather suffer anything in this 
world than disgrace the cause of truth and righteousness. 

Encouraged as above, I proceeded to minister in public 
meetings, when I had something given for that end, 
through which exercise my gift became gradually en- 
larged. But alas! I too often made false steps in my 
public ministry, as well as in my thoughts, words and 
actions in private conduct, for want of self-love being 
more mortified and subjected to the spirit of Christ, which 
teaches divine wisdom. 

Being of an active natural disposition, it became a 
cross to me to be silent, when it was best to be so. And 
sometimes after I stood up I continued too long, till the 
testimony as to the life of it, flattened and grew tedious 
to the hearers. I wanted too, to imitate some others, who 
I thought preached finely. Thus the enemy of man's 
happiness continually seeks to tempt every class in the 
church militant. As the eye is kept single to the holy 
Head, and the body full of light, in the light he is dis- 
covered in all his approaches and transformations ; but I 
was not constantly enough on my guard against his strat- 
agems, and therefore was sometimes seduced even to think 
I did well, when I was zealous, though not according to 
true knowledge, nor to the honor of the great name of 
Christ our Lord ; for he is most honored by the subjection 
of self; and by divine love, coupled with humility and 
patience. 



1739.] JAMES GOUGH. 47 

Among the many good institutions which the discov- 
eries of celestial wisdom have established in our Society, 
is that of faithful elders appointed to watch over the 
flock, and over the ministry, which has been found to be 
very useful. And though the love of self-honor made 
me sometimes bear hardly the reproof of a friend ; yet I 
have afterwards, as in the cool of the clay, discerned the 
expediency of it, and been induced to desire to be more 
careful in future, and to be willing to receive advice, as 
well as to give it. 

Oh ye, whom Christ calls into the work of the ministry, 
or any other office, give up your lives to him and it, both 
to do and to suffer what he may order or permit ; for the 
vessels of the Lord's house are to be of beaten gold. 
Every son whom he loves he rebukes and chastens. Then 
ever receive with a good mind the counsel or the reproof 
of a friend. 

If others revile and taunt in bitterness and wrath ; in 
haughtiness and insult, as whoever w T ill live godly in 
Christ Jesus, must suffer persecution ; yet all things will 
w r ork together for good to them that steadily abide under 
Christ's government. Our nature having in it much 
dross, and by long habit contracting an increase of it, 
cannot be refined from it, but by fiery trials, nor have 
its evil humors purged out, but by drinking the bitter 
cup. Applause pleases the creature, but greatly endan- 
gers it. Suffering in spirit, though more painful, is more 
safe. 

Oh then, ye who have rightly begun and favorably ad- 
vanced in the work of truth, or of the ministry, look well 
to your standing, and guard against the transformations 
of your unwearied enemy. When we first began, our 
single view and desire was to obtain divine approbation, 



48 MEMOIR OF [1739. 

and that peace of soul, which results from it ; to die to 
ourselves and all the world ; to know no man after the 
flesh, nor be known by them ; but only to know the Lord, 
and to walk and act under his immediate notice and ap- 
proving favor. But afterwards there hath mingled here- 
with the desire of human notice, of popular applause, of 
worldly advantages and indulgences. 

Thus some ministers, as well as others, who have given 
up their names to follow the Lamb, have slipped into a 
mixed state. In them the spring once pure, hath become 
muddy, and the sacred fervor hath dwindled. Though 
they have retained the form of godliness, yet its con- 
quering power and fortitude have gradually died away, 
and left them as weak and unable to resist temptations as 
those who have never assumed that form. 

This has been the case of many dry worldlings and 
sensualists in our Society, who, far from helping the 
cause, which they professed a value for, have greatly hurt 
it, and given a handle to libertines to make both it and 
them the subject of their derision. 

When the humble regard and love of God singly pre- 
sided in my heart, then I have been disposed to receive 
the advice or the rebuke of a friend, in the love in which 
it was given, and to bear with Christian meekness the 
taunts and insults of insensible hearts and unguarded 
lips, undisturbed thereby ; but when I have slidden off 
this foundation, then they have discomposed my mind, 
and agitated it with selfish and uneasy resentments. 

I have not so often met with this kind of returns to 
my ministry, as applause, which indeed is an intoxicating 
and pernicious cup for any to drink without great fear. 
It raises the spirits with a false alacrity ; elevates the 
mind with self-conceit, and an imagined superiority to 



1739.] JAMES GOUGH. 49 

others; leads into an evil emulation, and even to slight 
those who are in a much better state, dwelling in the val- 
ley of humility, subject to Christ, the beloved of their 
souls. 

It is hard for the creature not to be pleased with praise, 
and to offer it to him to whom alone it is due ; or, after 
being at any time signally honored, to return like Mor- 
decai, dismounted, stripped of the royal robes, and to sit 
in a silent, abject condition, at the King's gate, waiting 
on Him in poverty of spirit. 

As applause is dangerous, so the affections of the peo- 
ple, if not kept under proper government, both by the 
minister and his hearers, have a snare in them, as indeed 
hath every object of our senses, without maintaining an 
inward watchfulness ; these things not being the proper 
mark or prize of a minister or a Christian. It is base to 
play the harlot with corrupt self, and deck it with the 
Lord's jewels. For if we take these rewards of our labors, 
we are in clanger of losing that which He gives to the 
faithful, which is the one true and durable reward. 

The spirit of the gospel directs us to submit ourselves, 
or give way, one to another, to be abased, and prefer 
others ; the strong to take the weak by the hand, and all 
to imitate the holy pattern of Christ, who was meek and 
lowly in heart, and stooped to wash the feet even of his 
disciples and servants. 

It was he by his Spirit, who not only raised up a living 
ministry in our Society, but by the same Spirit animated 
our faithful predecessors to establish a salutary discipline 
therein, upon the same foundation ; and raised up and 
gifted men and women for valuable services, conducing 
to the edification and strengthening of one another in 
piety. Often have I sat in meetings of discipline greatly 



50 MEMOIR OF [1739. 

humbled, tendered and revived in my spirit, with fresh 
resolution to renew my diligence in my journey heaven- 
ward. 

One branch of this discipline, viz : the institution of 
meetings of ministers and elders, I highly regarded. For 
when we have, in a sense of our entire inability without 
His help, prostrated ourselves together before the most 
high God, He hath graciously vouchsafed to open the liv- 
ing springs of counsel, suitable to the several states and 
stations present, tending to stir up to diligence and de- 
votedness in his service, and pointing out in the opening 
of gospel light, the snares and dangers waylaying the 
spiritual traveller in his journey. 

Often have these meetings, when we have been thus 
prepared for them, cemented us together in an humble 
engagement of soul toward God. Tender love hath 
abounded, which hath made us dear one to another, as 
children of one family, and fellow-laborers in the highest 
and best cause. Christ our Lord has favored us with his 
presence and sovereign power, and made us partakers to- 
gether of his heart-tendering goodness, and of a near 
communion and divine fellowship with Him through his 
Spirit, and with each other therein, renewing our ardent 
concern for the honor of his Name, and the promotion of 
his Truth. 

But when this preparation has been wanting, and inat- 
tention and absence of mind have taken place, then we 
have been barren as the dry heath ; and like the earth, 
covered with darkness, without form and void, when the 
Spirit of the Lord moved not on the face of the waters. 
Both the immediate and instrumental springs of lively 
and clear counsel and consolation have been closed up, 
and the edification and watering of the flock withheld. 



1740.] JAMES GOUGH. 51 

This hath caused living zeal and even the attendance of 
those meetings to decay, and to yield to temporal affairs 
and temptations, to the hurt and loss of many. 

May these considerations move ministers and elders 
more particularly, to seek after the preparation requisite 
for assembling in the name and power of Christ, and 
under a renewed concern for their individual preserva- 
tion, as well as for that of their brethren and sisters, that 
they may thereby be comfortably enlivened, and enliven 
one another to all goodness, as men and women redeemed 
from the world, and fellow-citizens of the new Jerusalem. 
Then of great and valuable benefit indeed, would these 
solemn meetings be, as heretofore, when faithful laborers 
in the Lord's service dignified, adorned and upheld them. 



CHAPTER IV. 

PAYS A RELIGIOUS VISIT TO FRIENDS IN ENGLAND. EDIFYING 
CONVERSATION OF JAMES WILSON. INCIDENT IN THE MINIS- 
TRY OF ISAAC ALEXANDER. VISITS SOME PARTS OF IRELAND. 
ACCOUNT OF JOHN ASHTON. 

When I had resided about three years in Ireland, my 
brother John, whom I left in the service of Thomas Ben- 
nett, at Pickwick, Wilts, as noticed before, being desirous 
to fix his residence in the same nation with me, at the 
expiration of his fourth year there, resigned his place of 
usher to that school, in order to remove to Ireland ; and 
going first to see our mother and relations at Kendal, she 
concluded to accompany him in order to pay us a visit of 
a few weeks, and about the middle of the summer, 1740, 
they both arrived at Cork. After about five weeks abode 



52 MEMOIR OF [1740. 

with us, my mother inclined to return home ; and I having 
a concern on my mind to visit my native country in the 
service of Truth, my brother's arrival opened the way to 
set me at liberty : he willingly taking charge of my school 
in my absence. I concluded to accompany my mother in 
her return ; and having laid my concern before the men's 
meeting and obtained their certificate, and soon meeting 
with a vessel bound to Whitehaven, we embarked therein, 
and had a favorable passage, being only about forty-eight 
hours from port to port. 

This journey took me up about five weeks, in which 
time I visited the meetings of Friends pretty generally, 
through the counties of Cumberland, Westmoreland and 
Lancashire, and part of the north of Yorkshire, being 
frequently much favored by the Master of our assemblies, 
and often enlarged in the love of the gospel amongst my 
former relations, friends and neighbors, many of whom 
were glad to see me, and I was nearly united to them in 
the unity of the one spirit, the bond of peace. 

* I was at a general meeting at Crook, about four miles 

* Here a sheet of the original is lost, which I have not been 
able to recover; I regret the loss, not only that it occasions a 
chasm in the narration, but by the recollection I have of my 
brother's epistolary and verbal relations of this journey, I 
apprehend we are deprived of some occurrences worthy of 
preserving. One in particular I have heard him relate in 
terms so lively and affecting, as indicated it had fixed a deep 
impression on his mind; so that I think he would not pass 
it unnoticed. When he came to Pardshaw meeting in Cum- 
berland, he received intelligence that our ancient valuable 
Friend, that faithful minister of the gospel in his day, James 
Dickenson, was then confined by sickness, and apparently 
near his close, whereupon he went to pay him a visit, and 
found him in such a happy, heavenly frame of mind, as made 
the opportunity very tenderly affecting and edifying. Raised 



1740.] - JAMES GO UGH. 53 

from Kendal, which was eminently favored, and after it, 
went to lodge at Lydia Lancaster's, a valuable minister, 
and a mother in Israel. Next morning went to their 
meeting at Colthouse, near Hawkshead, and after meeting- 
went to William Eawlinson's to lodge. Next morning, 
in very wet, stormy weather, I went to Height meeting. 
Most of the Friends belonging to it lived at some miles 
distance ; yet they generally attended, and I believe were 
thankful that they did so, the cementing virtue and power 
of the gospel so prevailed therein. 

After meeting I went with James Kowlandson's family 
to his house at Frith. His daughter Jane had for a little 
while past appeared at times in the public ministry in our 

above the world he was departing from, and well prepared 
for that celestial mansion, he was favored with a lively hope 
of being shortly admitted into; and in this his concluding 
scene, amongst other affecting expressions he related of his, I 
recollect the following in purport: "I have served the Lord 
and his truth in my generation, and now I feel the blessed 
reward thereof; the accuser of the brethren is cast down as 
to me, and my peace with God is sealed forever." This, he 
related, was delivered in such a feeling, powerful and affect- 
ing manner, as greatly tendered his spirit, and left the best 
impressions upon it, animating him to fresh and ardent de- 
sires so to fulfil his ministry and walk through life, as that he 
might die the death of the righteous, and that his last end 
might be like his. And indeed, what scene in this life more 
dignifies humanity? What school is more profitably instruc- 
tive than the death-bed of the righteous, impressing the un- 
derstanding with a convincing evidence, that they have not 
followed cunningly devised fables, but solid, substantial truth; 
that there is a measure of divine light and grace in man, which 
if duly minded and obeyed, is sufficient to preserve through 
all the vicissitudes of life, to give him the victory over his 
spiritual enemies, and in the end over death, hell and the 
grave. 5* 



54 ME MO IK OF [1740. 

meetings. So much of tenderness, and of inward fervency 
toward Christ, the beloved of her soul, prevailed in her, as 
to make deep and lively impressions on my mind. 

Next day, that family accompanied me over the sands 
to a meeting at Swarthmore, and I returned with them, 
and from thence back to Kendal. The said Jane Row- 
lanclson afterwards married George Crosfield, became a 
valuable minister, visited Ireland twice while I lived 
there, and the continent of America once. 

In the course of this journey I was favored with the 
company and countenance of sundry Friends, whom in my 
younger years I had held in estimation, by reason of the 
good impressions I received from their exemplary lives 
and labors, as before noted in its place. My quondam 
master, David Hall, treated me with affectionate respect ; 
he had buried his former wife, who was my mistress, and 
married again. He and his wife accompanied me to a 
meeting at Airton. I lodged at Thomas Anderson's a 
Friend in the ministry, who visited Ireland in company 
with David Hall ; he was blind, but exceedingly pleasant 
and cheerful. Next morning being a hard frost, I went 
with said Thomas and other friends over a great hill to a 
Monthly Meeting at Settle. By me in the gallery sat 
Julian Franklin, a good old woman, near ninety years of 
age, and a good meeting it was. 

At and about Kendal also, I had much of the company 
of that honorable minister and elder, James Wilson, who 
as a nursing father encouraged and strengthened me in 
the service I was engaged in. His conversation was often 
pleasant, instructing and edifying ; one remarkable pas- 
sage he related, I think worthy of inserting, which was to 
the following purport. 

In his young years, having been educated in the estab- 



1740.] JAMES GO UGH. 55 

lished religion or Church of England so called, he had 
conceived a very contemptible opinion of the people called 
Quakers and their principles, and at a public house fall- 
ing in company with some others of like sentiments, this 
people became the subject of their discourse ; and as they 
were expressing their sentiments of contempt and dislike 
of them pretty freely, a person of some note, who had been 
an officer under Oliver Cromwell, came into the room, and 
overhearing their discourse, observed to them in substance, 
" That he apprehended their prejudice towards this people 
arose from their want of knowing them ; for my part, con- 
tinued he, I entertain very different sentiments of them;" 
and perceiving them struck with admiration to hear him, 
whom they looked upon as a man of sense, as well as con- 
sequence, express himself after this manner, he proceeded 
to the following purpose : " You seem to wonder that I 
express a favorable opinion of the Quakers ; I will inform 
you the reason. After the battle of Dunbar, as I was riding 
in Scotland at the head of my troops, I observed at some 
distance from the road, a crowd of people, and one higher 
than the rest ; upon which I sent one of my men to see and 
bring me word what was the meaning of this gathering ; 
and seeing him ride up and stay there, without returning 
according to my order, I sent a second, who staid in like 
manner; and then I determined to go myself. When I 
came thither, I found it was James Naylor preaching to 
the people ; and with such power and reaching energy, as 
I had not till then been witness of. I could not help stay- 
ing a little, although I was afraid to stay ; for I was made 
a Quaker, being forced to tremble at the sight of myself. 
I was struck with more terror by the preaching of James 
Naylor, than 1 was at the battle of Dunbar, when we had 
nothing else to expect, but to fall a prey to the swords of 



56 MEMOIR OF [1740. 

our enemies, without being able to help ourselves. I 
clearly saw the cross to be submitted to, so I durst stay 
no longer, but got off, and carried condemnation for it in 
my own breast. The people there, in the clear and pow- 
erful opening of their states, cried out against themselves, 
imploring mercy, a thorough change, and the whole work 
of salvation to be effected in them. Ever since I have 
thought myself obliged to acknowledge on their behalf, 
as I have now done." 

This, James Wilson said, proved the first step toward 
his convincement of our principles, inclining him to go to 
our meetings, which, before he had an aversion to the 
thoughts of, from the prejudice above hinted. In those 
days the meetings of Friends were more eminently favored 
with divine power, as they lived more devoted to Christ ; 
and consequently more abounding with his love flowing 
in their hearts. 

I was ready to think that Isaac Alexander had been 
instrumental to his convincement. I find it recorded in 
the third volume of the Dying Sayings, that said Isaac 
died at his house. Of him he gave me the following ac- 
count: that "being in himself an illiterate rustic, soon 
after his convincement he appeared in the ministry in a 
lively and powerful manner. A neighbor of his, having 
heard of his becoming a pracher, could not tell how suffi- 
ciently to express his admiration ; he made it the subject 
of his discourse, from place to place, deriding him who 
had no learning for presuming to preach, and the people 
for suffering him." 

" This man attended the funeral of that great and good 
woman, Ann Camm. The meeting proved an exceedingly 
enlightening, tendering opportunity; and even this deri- 
der was contrited and humbled therein. Isaac Alexander 



1740.] JAMES GOUGH. 57 

was eminently raised up in his gift, to set forth the good- 
nesss and the justice of God ; the glory of truth, the hap- 
piness of obeying it, and the lasting infelicity of neglect- 
ing and rebelling against it. The man was so thoroughly 
penetrated with a clear sight of his own case, that after 
Isaac had done, he stood up in that very assembly, ac- 
knowledged the crime he had been guilty of, and begged 
the prayers of all good Christians, that it might be for- 
given him." 

I mostly finished my service in England in this journey, 
with the Quarterly Meeting for Lancashire, at Lancaster, 
and that for Westmoreland, at Kendal, held in succes- 
sion. At the former, I met with Abraham Fuller, of 
Dublin, who had accompanied Moses Aldridge from New 
England, in his religious visit to Friends in Scotland, and 
was now, as well as myself, on his return home ; our meet- 
ing being quite unexpected, was a very pleasing surprise 
to us both, especially as we were likely to be companions 
to Dublin. Here also, I met with Samuel Fothergill, 
then young in the ministry; but even then appearing 
with a solemnity, brightness, and gospel authority, which 
gave Friends lively hopes of his proving, as he did through 
the succeeding stages of his life, a bright and shining light, 
a vessel of honor indeed, of eminent service in the church 
of Christ. The public service in the said Quarterly Meet- 
ing, fell to the share of us who were young, though many 
weighty, experienced ministers were present, and our good 
Master being with us, it proved a refreshing, satisfactory 
and edifying meeting. 

From Lancaster we went directly to the Quarterly Meet- 
ing at Kendal, which was also a good meeting, and the 
beginning of the succeeding week we proceeded to White- 
haven, in order to take shipping for Dublin, where we ar- 



58 MEM OIK OF [1740. 

rived on Seventh-day following, and I lodged at Joseph 
Gill's. I attended the meetings there the next day, and 
heavenly help being near, I was furnished with ability and 
matter, to minister to the general satisfaction and edifica- 
tion of Friends, and the ease of my own mind. And my 
being at that time quite a stranger to most Friends in that 
city, and coming quite unexpectedly, occasioned pretty 
much inquiry among them. 

From Dublin I proceeded toward Limerick, by Mount- 
melick, Mountrath, and Kilconnermore, where John Ash- 
ton was then living ; a valuable good man, little inferior 
to most I have known, in my estimation. Although not 
eminent for great and shining parts ; yet he was a shining 
light in the country where he resided, in love and good 
works ; a man of great humility and fervor of soul for the 
promotion of piety ; much beloved and esteemed of his 
neighbors and friends. 

When I came to the good old man's house, being now 
near eighty years of age, he was very much indisposed ; 
and it being about the middle of the Eighth Month, O. S., 
or October, and the Friends in that part being late with 
some part of their harvest, he proposed, notwithstanding 
his infirmity, to accompany me to Limerick, a great day's 
journey for him when he was well, as the roads were then ; 
and his relations, apprehending it too hazardous for him 
to undertake under his present indisposition, endeavored 
to dissuade him from it ; which made me desirous that he 
might not suffer in his health, or meet with any dissatis- 
faction of mind. 

It proved a fine day; he grew much better, and his 
conversation was very edifying. Our friends at Limer- 
ick rejoiced greatly to see him, being the last time of his 
being there. Next day being First-day, we had two com- 
fortable meetings there. 



1740.] JAMES GO UGH. 59 

On Second-day morning at parting, he told me, he was 
well paid for coming. He was well and hearty the winter 
following, and the next spring set forward towards the 
half-year's meeting at Dublin, but having reached Birr, 
he found himself unable to go further, returned home, and 
after a short illness departed this life, leaving behind him 
a general testimony all round the country on his behalf, 
as one who had eminently served God, loved mankind, 
and was greatly beloved by almost every one who knew 
him. 

He and his wife were both convinced at one meeting at 
Birr, through the powerful ministry of that able and emi- 
nent minister of the gospel, Thomas Wilson. Coming out 
of that meeting, they said to each other, " The way of 
everlasting happiness had been clearly laid down before 
them, and they w r ere resolved to walk in it, come life, or 
come death." 

Not long after, John was thrown into prison for his 
Christian testimony against the oppressive and antichris- 
tian yoke of tithes. Being used to w r ork without doors, he 
was at a loss how to employ his time; but soon learned 
to make gartering and laces. 

When at liberty, he with his w r ife, constantly tw T ice a 
week attended the meeting at Birr, generally walking on 
foot thither, being about seven English miles, and a very 
bad road, wading through a river in the way, both going 
and returning. In winter, in crossing this river, they 
sometimes had the ice to break ; and John said he had 
wept to see the blood on his wife's legs in coming through 
it. In those days truth was precious to its professors, who 
also possessed it, and no difficulties or dangers could pre- 
vent them from getting to their religious meetings, to enjoy 
the renewings of divine love and life, with their brethren. 



60 MEMOIR OF [1740. 

This good man also took great pains to get travelling 
Friends to appoint meetings at his house ; and then to 
acquaint people thereof, several miles round, travelling 
for that purpose by night, as well as by day, in the winter 
season, and in severe weather, and underwent much re- 
proach for this labor and diligence. Yet he was blest in 
it, both inwardly and outwardly , many came to the meet- 
ings at his house, several were convinced of the truth, and 
in process of time a meeting was settled there, and grew 
larger than that of Birr, out of which it had sprung. 

At the time of his joining our Society, he was in low 
circumstances, but through industry and the blessing of 
heaven, he grew rich, and did abundance of good, being 
singularly hospitable, liberal and charitable. 

At the abovesaid meeting at Birr, through the ministry 
of Thomas Wilson, there was also convinced his wife's 
daughter Mary, the wife of James Sheppard. This was a 
great mortification to her husband, who tried various 
means to reclaim her. At length a noted preacher being 
to preach at the worship-house he frequented, he proposed 
to his wife, that if she would go with him to hear him, he 
would go with her next Sunday, as he called it, to the 
meeting at Birr, to which proposal she assented. She 
went accordingly, and heard fine words and eloquence ; 
but that was not what her soul wanted. 

Next First-day, pursuant to his engagement, he went 
with her to Birr. It proved to be a silent meeting there ; 
yet through the reverent attendance of the souls of those 
present upon Christ, the best minister, they were favored 
together with his life-giving presence, with the sense of 
which the said James was reached and tendered into con- 
trition, in the sight of the self-denying path cast up to 
peace with God. Hereupon, what he little expected at 



1743.] james aouGH. 61 

his going to that meeting, he immediately joined in society 
with Friends, and became a serviceable man in his station. 
After parting with John Ashton, I proceeded toward 
Cork, and reached it next morning before meeting. 



CHAPTER V. 



VISITS FRIENDS IN WALES. ACCOUNT OF JOHN GOODWIN. VISITS 
FRIENDS IN ENGLAND, AND ATTENDS LONDON YEARLY MEET- 
ING. VISITS MEETINGS AND FAMILIES IN IRELAND. 

Soon after, I visited some parts of Leinster province. 
After my return I spared my brother, at the request of 
Benjamin Wilson, near Edenderry, to be tutor to his 
children, and those of a neighboring friend. When he 
had been there about a year and a half, I wrote to him 
to prepare, after duly apprizing his employers, to return 
to Cork, having a desire for once, while I had an oppor- 
tunity of his supplying my place, to be at the Welsh, 
Bristol, and London Yearly Meetings; and though the 
family was loath to part with him, yet as I wanted him on 
this account, he disengaged himself and returned to Cork, 
in due time for me to proceed on the service before me. 

Accordingly, in the beginning of the First Month, O. 
S., now called the Third, I embarked on a Sixth-day 
morning at Cork. On Seventh-day, at night, by favor of 
the light-houses, we got into Milford-haven. On First- 
day morning I walked to Haverford-west, where I met 
with Abraham Fuller, of Dublin, whom I consulted how 
I should steer my course to North- Wales, as I understood 
here, that the Welsh Yearly Meeting was to be about a 
6 



62 MEMOIR OF [1743. 

month from this time, in this neighborhood, viz : at Tenby 
in Pembrokeshire. 

Abraham advised me to order my course so, as to be at 
John Goodwin's on a First-day, because there was gener- 
ally a large resort of people there on that day, and gave 
me directions how to accomplish it, which I was pleased 
with, having heard before of that good old man, and hav- 
ing a desire to be then at his house. 

On Third-day, after meeting, I left Haverford-west, and 
had a meeting next day at Carmarthen. On Fifth-day 
morning, went to John Bowen's, at Penplace, expecting 
to have a meeting there; but he being gone to their 
Monthly Meeting at John Reece's, at Penbank ; I fol- 
lowed him thither, where I found a considerable number 
met. After I had sat down, old John Reece stood up and 
preached to us in Welsh. On Sixth-day, I went to the 
widow Evan's, at Llandewy-brevy, in Cardiganshire, and, 
expected next day to reach John Goodwin's, at Escar- 
gogh, in Monmouthshire. 

Next morning, the Friend who was to have been my 
guide, came into my chamber long before day, when I 
was about getting up, having an earnest desire to reach 
John Goodwin's that day. He informed me, I could not 
go thither that day, without running the risk of my life, 
as it snowed very hard, and it was a mountainous road. 
I presently got up, and found myself obliged to stay there, 
to the no small disappointment of my desire. 

I then went to their market-town, called Tregarron, and 
there had two meetings that day, the latter of which was 
large. Next day being First-day, hearing of a priest 
called Daniel Rowland, whose parish worship-house was 
at Llangeithow, three miles beyond Llandewy-brevy, who 
was much flocked after by many people, even from other 



1743] JAMES GO UGH. 63 

parishes ; thither I went, accompanied by three friends. 
When we arrived we found the house full, and many at 
the outside, who seemed to listen to the preacher with at- 
tention, who was preaching in Welsh. I desired a young 
man to endeavor to get to the parson, and acquaint him 
that an Englishman without wanted to speak to him, 
which I suppose he did. For when he had ended his 
sermon the congregation broke up, and he came out one 
of the first. 

I went to meet him, and told him I had found my mind 
drawn in Christian love to visit him and his congregation, 
and therefore desired then the opportunity to deliver to 
him and them what was on my mind. After some in- 
quiries, he said it was not convenient then, as he had him- 
self preached largely to the people. Finding myself clear 
of him, I got upon a pretty high tombstone, and the peo- 
ple generally drew near, being a very large multitude. 
The opportunity was greatly favored, I being engaged to 
invite the people to Christ, the free teacher, and of Him 
to receive wine and milk, strength and nourishment to 
their souls, without money and without price : though the 
people stood close crowded, there seemed to be as great a 
stillness as if scarcely any were there. After I had ended 
what at that time flowed through my heart to them, I 
stood a little with my mind reverently and thankfully 
affected. At length I looked round to see on which side 
I might most easily retire. Some of the people near, who 
perceived it, desired that I would pray for them before I 
left them. I answered, that I did indeed pray for them ; 
but as for doing it vocally, I durst not, unless it appeared 
at that time to be my duty so to do. They asked then 
whither I intended to go next ; I told them, to Llambeter, 
about five miles off, where I intended to have a meeting 
that afternoon. Thither many of them went. 



64 MEMOIR OF [1743. 

When I had got a little way on the road, I was over- 
taken by one who looked like a gentleman, on horseback, 
with his wife riding behind a man* on another horse ; he 
told me he had come out of Carmarthenshire, fourteen 
miles over the hills, to hear Daniel Rowland ; asking if 
I should come into that county, that if I did, he would 
meet me any where in it, if he could know the time and 
place ; but would be better pleased if I could come and 
lodge a night with him, which I afterward did. 

As I advanced a little further, a certain woman, not 
of our profession, invited me and Friends with me, to 
dine, and gave us the best entertainment in her power. 
She expressed, with solidity, she had not understood one 
word I had said ; but had felt that which had done her 
heart good, as a Friend interpreted her words to me. 

Many people flocking to Llambeter, the meeting was 
held in the street. After it, I parted with the people in 
mutual affection, and returned to Llandewy-brevy, in 
company with Friends and others. I was at this time 
much overcome with the Lord's goodness, and thankful 
for the aforesaid disappointment of my desire, believing 
it to be in the ordering of best wisdom, for the service of 
the day, being filled with a comfortable hope I was in my 
proper place, which caused the tears to run down my 
cheeks, most of the way I had to ride. 

When I returned to my quarters, at the widow Evans's, 
near Llandewy-brevy, a great number of the neighboring 
people were come thither, and an unexpected meeting en- 
sued, wherein several were broken and tendered in the 
time of silence. I briefly observed, that it had been made 
a good day to several of us, expressing my desire that it 
might be duly remembered by us. And in this lively 
tenderness we took our leave of one another. 



1743.] JAMES GO UGH. 65 

But alas, when I came thither eighteen years after this, 
I found little sign left of that fervency toward God which 
then seemed impressed on their minds. The enemy had 
got entrance, and much stolen it away. 

Next day I got to John Goodwin's, and he told me he 
believed I was come in the right time, there having been 
but few at his house the day before, by reason of the 
snow that had fallen thereabout. He accompanied me 
from his house to a meeting in the edge of Shropshire. 

John told me that his father and mother were both 
convinced of Truth about the same time, and received it 
in the love of it. At that time his father was clerk of 
the parish, and master of the free school thereof; but 
upon his joining with Friends, and giving up faithfully 
to divine conviction, he was turned out of both these 
places, and obliged to have recourse to hard labor, wherein 
his mother heartily joined ; but that himself, their eldest 
child, then well grown toward the state of a youth, not 
understanding their case, thought them fools to turn 
Quakers, and resolved he would not be like them in that 
nor did they offer any compulsion to him therein ; but 
their prayers, put up to the Lord for him, were manifestly 
answered, and they had in their son the comfort they de- 
sired. At this time Friends were grown numerous in 
Wales; but soon after, upon the encouragement given by 
William Penn, most of the Friends in some parts of this 
principality, removed and settled in Pennsylvania, and 
amongst the rest John's father and mother, with most of 
their children. From inclination he would have removed 
with them ; but a higher power directed his stay in his 
native land, and to that he gave up father and mother 
and everything. This good man recounted the great 
favors of the Lord to him all along to that day, to the 
following purport : 6* 



66 MEMOIR OF [1743. 

" When the Lord pointed out poor Wales as a field of 
labor for me, He promised, that if I was faithful to Him 
in it, He would be with me and favor me therein ; and now 
I have in my heart a testimony for Him in my old age, 
that He hath abundantly made good his promise to me, 
both outwardly and inwardly, far beyond what at that 
day I could have expected." AVhich favors, in divers re- 
spects he related to me in a very edifying, thankful frame 
of mind. And speaking of his wife in particular, he re- 
lated the steps by which the Lord, whom they loved and 
served, conducted and joined them together ; adding, " I 
think I may say, if any man in the world got his right 
wife, I got mine." He further told me, that he lived and 
maintained his family on a farm of four pounds a year 
but at length had purchased it and improved it, so that 
at that time he reckoned it worth six pounds a year. The 
first journey he travelled in the ministry, being to visit 
Friends through Wales, he had then got of clear money, 
above forty shillings in all ; and he was free to spend it, if 
there was occasion, in the Lord's service, knowing that He 
could give him, or enable him to get more ; that the first 
time he began to entertain travelling Friends, most of the 
meeting being then gone to Pennsylvania, he had but one 
bed, which he left to them, he and his wife taking up their 
lodging in the stable. Divers have been convinced by 
his ministry ; and one of the principal worthies of our 
age I have esteemed him. 

The foregoing narrative of this worthy elder, was edify- 
ing and profitable to me, not only at the time, but fre- 
quently since, in the review and recollection thereof; and 
I thought it worthy of recital, as conveying profitable in- 
struction to every class of readers, whether of high or low 
degree — to the former a lesson of instruction, how humbly 



1743.] JAMES GO UGH. 67 

thankful they ought to be to the gracious Giver of all 
good things, for His extensive bounty to them. When 
we consider this truly good man, in circumstances we 
should reckon mean indeed, and a manner of living suit- 
able to his circumstances, bearing a lively and grateful 
testimony to the goodness, mercy and truth of the Lord 
in His gracious dealings with him ; also, when he dedi- 
cates his little all, in faith, to his Lord's service, doth he 
not in the silent and reaching language of example, con- 
vey this intelligence to thy soul, who art blessed with 
abundance? "Go thou and do likewise; honor the Lord 
with thy substance and the first fruits of all thy increase; 
love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God;" deeply 
pondering in thy heart, "How much owest thou to the 
Lord!" ' 

Those of low circumstances from hence may learn, that 
happiness is confined to no station in this life ; but is the 
result of observing the law of God in the inward parts, 
being, as it prescribes, content with the things which we 
have, not minding high things ; but reducing our desires 
to the level of our station in life, that so we may fill it 
with propriety and act our parts well. If w r e thus walk 
by the unerring rule of truth, though we be esteemed poor 
in this world, we shall be rich in faith, and with this 
worthy man, enjoy in the obscurity of the humble cot- 
tage, what palaces too seldom afford, solid content, the 
consolation of a conscience void of offence, and the reward 
of well-doing, "the peace of God that passeth the under- 
standings of men." The most splendid and extensive 
earthly possessions, when laid in the balance against dur- 
able possessions like these, are indeed as nothing, and 
lighter than vanity. 

Having parted with John Goodwin, I went to Shrews- 



68 MEMOIR OF [1743. 

bury, Colebrookdale, Bewdley, Worcester, Birmingham, 
Coventry, Warwick, Evesham ; then back by Worcester, to 
Bromyard, Hereford, Amely, and into Radnorshire in 
Wales, to Brinfloyd and Talcot. To this last place came 
Mary Rickerby, of Yorkshire, from Llandewy-brevy much 
tired ; but after a little rest and refreshment, she had an edi- 
fying opportunity in the family ; and from hence she, with 
Miriam Bowen, and her uncle Edward Jones, accompanied 
me to the Welsh Yearly Meeting, as did also John Young, 
from Leominster, who met me at Hereford for that pur- 
pose, and was an acceptable companion. 

Next morning we set out from Talcot about five o'clock, 
and got to Nathaniel Anthony's a little after meeting time, 
a meeting having been appointed beforehand there, to be- 
gin at five in the evening. After meeting, John Young 
and I went to lodge with that couple w T ho had before in- 
vited me near Llangeithow, where w T e met with a kind 
and cordial reception, and found them fervent in desire 
after godliness. Next morning w r e met Mary Rickerby, 
and sundry other Friends at John Bo wen's. Thence went 
to an evening meeting at Carmarthen, which was large. 
Next day being Seventh-day, we went to John Lewis's 
house in the country. On First-day we w T ent with him to 
the meeting at Redstone, and in the afternoon were at a 
large meeting at Haverford-west ; and from hence, on 
Third-day, we went to the Yearly Meeting at Tenby. 

After the Yearly Meeting, I w T ent by Swanzey and Tre- 
vereeg to Pontypool, being accompanied by good old Evan 
Evans. Thence by Shernuton and Ross to Gloucester, and 
from thence round by Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wilt- 
shire to Bristol Yearly Meeting ; and from thence by Bath, 
Bradford, Shaftsbury, Poole, Ringwood and Southampton, 
and the Isle of Wight, to that of London. 



1743.] JAMES GOUGH. 69 

At Shaftsbury, the meeting had been pretty much 
dropped for several years, there being none of our pro- 
fession left, but an old Friend, a tanner, and his two sis- 
ters ; but at this time several were in part convinced, and 
thereupon the meeting revived. I was there on a First- 
day, and had three meetings, which were large. The Sec- 
ond-day I spent in visiting families, and in the evening 
had a concluding meeting with Friends and those newly 
convinced. It was a satisfactory time; and one man's 
Avife who had been in great grief, passion and bitterness, 
on account of her husband's joining in our profession, was 
herself gained, and joined him and Friends ; and another 
woman likewise joined us at the same time; yet the fer- 
vency which was then felt, proved but of short duration 
with several of them. However, the meeting has continued? 
a new meeting-house has been built there since that time, 
and the Quarterly Meeting of the county of Dorset is 
sometimes held there. 

On my return from the Isle of Wight, Thomas White- 
head and Philip Elliott met me at Portsmouth, and ac- 
companied me thence to London, with young Abel Hollis, 
of the Isle of Wight, who w r as then hopeful. Next day 
being the fourth of the w T eek, we came to Alton ; after 
meeting there on Fifth-day, we came to an evening meet- 
ing at Godalming. Sixth-day morning, were at a meet- 
ing at Guilford; after which, being joined by Samuel 
Bownas and Jeremiah Waring, we came to Esher, and 
next morning to London to the Yearly Meeting. 

In this journey, Samuel Bownas was particularly kind 
and fatherly to me. We were together at Gracious street 
meeting on First-day morning, which was a good meet- 
ing, and wherein I was favored in a good degree. 

Thomas Whitehead and Philip Elliott accompanied me 



70 MEMOIR OF [174:}. 

after the Yearly Meeting was over, to a meeting at Hert- 
ford. From Hertford I went to Hitchin, Jordan s, High- 
Wiccomb, &c. ; was at the Quarterly Meeting at Okeham, 
for the counties of Leicester and Rutland, and at those at 
Lincoln, York, Lancaster and Kendal. 

At this Yearly Meeting were no representatives from 
Ireland but Abraham Fuller and I. John Pirn, of Eden- 
derry, and his brother, Joshua Pirn, of Mountrath, came 
as far as Coventry ; and there the said Joshua, a valuable 
Friend and Elder, was visited with a distemper, which 
for a time seemed dangerous. He recovered, but not till 
some time after the meeting was over. 

The like afterwards happened to another good Friend 
and Elder, Joseph Williams, of Randall's Mills, who reached 
London, and was there by indisposition prevented from 
getting out to any meeting ; such trials being sometimes per- 
mitted, for proving and exercising the faith and patience of 
the Lord's servants. 

In this journey I often travelled hard, and had two 
meetings a day wherever I could. It took me about five 
months. At Lincoln Quarterly Meeting, Friends lodged 
at inns. I do not remember that I knew one Friend 
there, but John Scott, from Leeds, and May Drummond. 
It being now about midsummer, the public meeting be- 
gan at twelve o'clock, their men's meeting about two, 
and ended before four. In those two meetings I had 
been shut up. I met with an elderly Friend, and asked 
him how Friends spent the residue of the long evening ; 
he answered, "In conversing together, or taking a walk or 
the like." I told him, I thought it was a pity, consider- 
ing the large number of young people who came together 
from different parts of the county ; and that the end would 
be better answered, by some religious opportunity or meet- 



1743.] JAMES GO UGH. 71 

ing, that might tend to edification, and be of benefit to 
some at least. He replied, " They used to have evening 
meetings; but being on one hand much infested with 
rude people, and on the other too often weakly conducted, 
they did not prove satisfactory; and for these reasons 
Friends had thought it best to discontinue them." 

Hereupon we were called in to dinner, but I had little 
appetite ; after dinner I w T as called out. Some of the 
Elders had drawn together, and upon my coming to them, 
signified if I had a concern for an evening meeting, they 
were willing to appoint one, to begin at the sixth hour. 
I was afraid, yet durst not refuse the proposal ; so upon 
my assenting, the meeting was appointed. It was much 
crowded, and the life and power of truth was in dominion, 
which eased my mind of its burden and filled it with 
thankfulness. 

From hence, John Scott, May Drummond and I, with 
divers other Friends, came to a meeting at Gainsborough, 
and on the First-day after, were at the General Meeting 
at Warnsworth, where we met with Joseph Storr. From 
thence John Scott and I went to the Monthly Meeting at 
Leeds, where we met with our valuable ancient Friend 
William Slater. From Leeds I went in company with 
William Hird and his wife, to the Monthly Meeting at 
Knaresborough, at which was John Fothergill ; and from 
thence to the Quarterly Meeting at York, to which came 
John Eichardson, who was expected by few, having been 
thought to be near death for some time before, but being 
recovered a little, though still very feeble in body, but 
strong in faith, and warm in love to God and the brethren, 
in a journey of three days, which, he had used to accom- 
plish in one or less, he reached this city, to have one more 
solemn opportunity with his friends at this meeting. 



72 MEMOIR OF [1743. 

Ill the meeting of ministers, the good old man was 
enlarged in much weighty and pertinent counsel, in the 
clear openings of gospel light ; but the public meetings 
were much hurt by raw and forward public appearances. 

From York I came with Mary Slater to Skipton, and 
from thence was accompanied by John Binns to a General 
Meeting at Crawshawbooth, where I met with Samuel 
Fothergill, Margaret Birtwhistle, afterwards married to 
Jonathan Raine ; and Sarah Routh, who afterwards mar- 
ried William Taylor. Next clay, in company with the 
last two, to the Quarterly Meeting at Lancaster. 

Here, in the meeting of ministers, Margaret Birtwhistle 
appeared lively and very suitably ; but a young man, and 
one elde'r than he, by their public appearances hurt the 
meeting. 

When I reached Whitehaven, I met with Susanna Mor- 
ris and Elizabeth Morgan, of Pennsylvania, just landed 
from Dublin, having visited Ireland. Susanna Morris 
was a good old woman, and a sound minister, whose faith 
was remarkably tried ; having twice suffered shipwreck 
on the coast of Ireland, and once, as I have heard, on the 
western coast of Europe ; yet was preserved by that power 
and providence on which she relied, and her faith was 
not weakened thereby. 

One time it happened in the North of Ireland, and the 
other time off Dungarvan, when, as I have been credibly 
informed, after hanging some hours in the ship's shrouds, 
apparently in imminent danger of being swept away by 
the waves every minute, and the storm continuing so vio- 
lent that no boatmen durst venture out to their relief, a 
popish priest was made the instrument of her preserva- 
tion, who, by his influence and authority, roused some of 
the inhabitants, at the risk of their lives, to attempt the 



1743.] JAMES GOUGH. 73 

relief of her and others ; which they providentially 
effected, and brought her and Joseph Taylor particularly, 
safe ashore. 

When I landed from Whitehaven at Dublin, I there 
received a letter from my brother, informing me that 
their next Province meeting was to be at Limerick next 
First-day. Garret Hassen accompanying me, we left 
Dublin on Fourth-day morning, and came that evening 
to Samuel Neale's, at Christianstown, and were next day 
at the week-day meeting at Rathangan, and after meeting 
went to John Ridgway's, at Ballycarrol; next day we 
reached Roscrea, and Limerick the day following. At 
this Province meeting I was prevailed on to stay and join 
in a visit to Friends' families, towards which service Gar- 
ret had before expressed some concern on his mind. We 
were accompanied by Joshua Beale, of Cork, John Philips, 
George Pease and William Richardson, of Limerick. It 
proved a memorable season : the pure influence of Truth 
having prevailed in the preceding Province meeting, had 
so prepared Friends' minds, that we found in general, 
great openness, and in some families scarcely a dry eye. 
No hardness, that I remember, appeared, except in one 
family ; and the head of that family being an eager pur- 
suer of the world, in some time after failed, considerably 
in debt. From thence I came directly home to Cork. 

On the whole of this long journey, and my third with 
a certificate, I have this observation to make : in my two 
first journeys being much among tender, religious Friends, 
my labor was easy and edifying, and I often had great 
consolation and divine satisfaction among them; but in 
this last, coming to many places that were poor and flat, 
as to the life of religion, and where other things more 
prevailed, I often had suffering seasons, and came off but 
poorly. 7 



74 MEMOIR or [1744. 



CHAPTER VI. 



REMOVES TO MOUNTMELICK. ENGAGES IN THE LINEN BUSINESS. 
REMARKS ON THE DANGERS OF AFFLUENCE. ATTENDS THE 
MARRIAGE AND FUNERAL OF MARY NEALE. VISITS FRIENDS 
IN CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORELAND. ENGAGES IN SCHOOL 
TEACHING AT MOUNTMELICK. DEATH OF HIS WIFE. VISITS 
ULSTER PROVINCE. VISITS MUNSTER PROVINCE. HAS AN IN- 
TERVIEW WITH JOHN WESLEY ON ACCOUNT OF SOME INCOR- 
RECT CHARGES MADE BY THE LATTER. REMARKS ON A PRO- 



The next summer after my return, I removed from 
Cork (leaving my brother John Gough there in my place) 
into Leinster Province, and settled near Mountmelick. 

I have good reason to believe that I followed right direc- 
tion, and the gracious call of Divine Goodness in this 
removal, on divers accounts, as in the good hand of God, 
the author of all good, it proved a blessing both to my 
wife and myself. There lived hereaway at that time, 
divers valuable, spiritually-minded Friends, through whose 
tender regard, counsel and help, we gained fresh good, 
and to whom we felt great nearness of heart and dear 
affection, in the pure love of the one eternal Spirit. 

Here I tried something of the linen business, but found 
myself so unfit for dealing with the common people, that 
I saw, notwithstanding the kind assistance of some 
Friends, I was not likely to gain anything by following 
this business. And as I had little else at present for a 
livelihood, it sometimes spread a dejection over my mind. 
Such dispensations are humbling, deeply exercising our 
faith and patience, and proving our foundation and our 



1744.] JAMES GO UGH. 75 

confidence in Divine protection, and reliance on heavenly 
help. They are what we generally call trials; and so 
they are; but when we consider that the earth is the 
Lord's and the fulness thereof, and that the cattle of a 
thousand hills are his : are not his favors trials as well as 
his chastisements? Affluence appears to me a trial, as 
well as discouraging outward prospects : but a trial of a 
different nature ; that is, of our fidelity as stewards of the 
mercies of God, to whom we are all to be accountable 
for the discharge of the trust he hath invested us with, 
that we consume them not upon our lusts, as if that was 
our own which is given us to do good with, and be help- 
ful to others who may stand in need. As the sunshine of 
prosperity is apt to lift men up too high into a state of 
inconsiderateness and dissipation, I have thought it a 
trial, whereby we are under greater danger and tempta- 
tion ; and have a greater cross to take up to be what we 
ought to be, than in humbler stations. 

It has not fallen to my lot to be much proved with 
trials of this kind, and I am led to believe that divine 
wisdom, who orders all things well, knew best what was 
best for me. For when prospects of things were pleasing, 
I w T as prone to be too much elevated, and therefore needed 
to be* brought and kept low ; but in the midst of my dis- 
couragement, a door of hope often opened to me, from 
the internal evidence and persuasion of being in my right 
place, and of faith that all things would work together 
for good, if we were preserved through all to love and 
fear the Lord ; and so I humbly trust it proved. My 
wife being brought low in her mind under the like dis- 
couragement, it proved in the hand of God a good step 
to her, to the more certain enjoyment of his blessed pres- 
ence and the comforts of his good Spirit. She meeting 



76 MEMOIR OF [1745. 

with the like precious visitation here, as I had before in 
Bristol, it made us partakers together of the sweet sense 
of the gracious regard of Him that is above all, and 
closely linked us together in true unity and deep thank- 
fulness, which often raised in us, to our unspeakable joy, 
the cheering hope of a dwelling-place with the sanctified 
of the Lord, in the regions of bliss. May I never forget 
such seasons of unmerited mercy and goodness. 

In the spring of the next year, my mind was again 
drawn to visit some parts of Cumberland and Westmore- 
land. John Pirn, of Lackah, and his wife, offered me 
their eldest son Moses for a companion, whom I accepted. 
We met at his brother-in-law Samuel Neale's, at Christians- 
town. Thence we went next day some miles out of our 
way to see our dear Friend Mary Peisley, being at that 
time in affliction. 

She had been a gay young woman, but in her youthful 
years of her gaiety, she was favored with a powerful and 
prevailing visitation of Divine love, and giving up faith- 
fully to the heavenly vision, she became a vessel of honor 
in the Master's house, receiving a gift in the ministry, 
and being reverently, watchfully and livingly exercised 
therein, to the edification of Friends where her lot was 
cast, she was indeed an useful member and a shining 
ornament to the church. 

I am ready to conclude, that no one in our day, from 
the time of this the effectual visitation of Christ to her 
soul, adhered with more steadiness to his guidance, through 
a variety of probations. She was, during most part of 
her time, a member of the same Monthly Meeting with 
myself. Often were we together in public meetings ; often 
on family visits. 

She visited Friends in England, Ireland and North 



1745.] JAMES GO UGH. 77 

America, pretty generally ; and soon after her return 
from her last journey, married our Friend Samuel Neale, 
and in a few days after departed this life. I attended 
both at her marriage and her funeral, and am satisfied 
that she has gone to enjoy forever the reward of a well- 
spent life, very much devoted to the service of God, and 
the promotion of Truth upon earth. 

After this visit of friendship, we got to Dublin on 
Seventh-day evening, and there on inquiry I was informed, 
at several places, that the whole fleet of Whitehaven ships 
had gone off that day ; but in my return from the quay, 
accompanied by my kind landlord, Thomes Strangman, 
I met a man who told us there was one prevented from 
getting off. So I stayed the two meetings in Dublin the 
next day, and had a satisfactory time with my dear 
friends there. After dinner on Second-day we embarked, 
and on Third-day about noon landed at Whitehaven. 
That afternoon I went to John Harris's, and next morn- 
ing set off w T ith him and his wife, a valuable minister, to 
the Quarterly Meeting at Carlisle. 

One thing appeared to me pleasingly remarkable at 
that time. By reason of wet w r eather, people there were 
backward at their country work, and then very busy, yet 
several of the men put forward their wives to go to the 
Quarterly Meeting, as they intended themselves to the 
northern Yearly Meeting to be at Kendal about two 
weeks from that time. We were that day pretty many 
in company, but more women than men, though both the 
roads and the weather were but indifferent. Hence I 
concluded that no other motive but that of religious de- 
sire drew them from home. It affected my mind, and 
made me hope for a good meeting. The widow of our 
worthy Friend Robert Atkinson, then about eighty years 
7* 



78 MEMOIR OF [1745. 

of age, with two other elderly women, walked on foot 
eight miles to it. 

On Fifth-day the Quarterly Meeting began, and on 
Sixth-day ended, and was a large and good meeting. On 
Seventh-day I reached Kendal, and visited meetings there- 
away till the Yearly Meeting ; and after it, spent a few 
days thereabout, took leave of my poor mother, and never 
saw either the place of my nativity or her any more. 
She lived only about two or three years after this, and 
was favored in her latter days with peace and quiet ; 
which was mercifully continued to her end. 

This journey began well, like all my others ; but, alas, 
it did not so continue and end, for want of my steadily 
adhering to the all-wise Guide in my whole conduct. Yet 
I received instruction from it, and learned to exercise 
more care in some things wherein I saw I had missed my 
way. 

I embarked at Whitehaven for Dublin ; but we were 
driven to the north, and put into Carlingford, about fifty 
miles from Dublin. The passengers were three men and 
three women, and this being a poor place, we could only 
get two mean, wretched horses, on which we helped the 
women by turns to Dundalk, about eight or ten miles. 
From Dundalk we hired three horses, which carried dou- 
ble to Drogheda, where we lodged. Here no horses were 
to be met with. So meeting with a return chaise, I agreed 
for the three women to go in it, and myself setting for- 
ward on foot, in company with one of the passengers, I 
arrived in Dublin in good time, and was at the Half-year's 
Meeting there, which was a satisfactory season. 

Seeing little or no prospect of getting anything by the 
linen business, one morning Thomas Boake, schoolmaster 
of Mountmelick came to acquaint me, that the doctor had 



1748.] JAMES GOUGH. 79 

told him he must quit the school or lose his life, being 
then in a bad state of health, and to advise with me and 
others thereupon. He soon quitted it and I succeeded 
him in a school poor indeed, as I found it at my first 
entering upon it ; for except a few Friends whose children 
I had, who duly paid me, most of the rest put me off with 
promises, few of which were ever performed; so that a 
dull prospect still threatened, and looking back in my 
mind to both Bristol and Cork, I thought it a strange 
condition to which I was now reduced ; yet hope in the 
Lord supported me and cheered my mind; and it was not 
long before things began to wear a better face ; for some 
Friends of Dublin, and afterwards others from other parts 
sent their sons to board with us, till we had above twenty 
boys boarded in our house, for whom we were well and 
duly paid. 

About ten years after our marriage, my wife was de- 
livered of a son, whom we named John, and in a few days 
after, she departed this life. For about two years before 
her decease she had been engaged a little in the work of 
the ministry ; but her principal service was in Friends' 
families, and in the women's meetings in which her ser- 
vice was much missed when she was removed. She died 
in a sweet frame of mind, and in near unity with good 
Friends. 

My brother had married at Youghal, a relation of my 
wife's, upon whose death, he and his wife came into my 
house at my desire ; and in the winter following I visited 
Ulster province pretty fully and thoroughly, being at 
some meetings twice over. In this journey I was favored 
with the company of old Robert Richardson many miles, 
and to many meetings, in severe weather, and he about 
eighty-four years of age. 



80 MEMOIR OF [1748. 

I had a particular concern to have a meeting in the 
town of Belfast: I consulted Robert upon it, but he did 
not encourage it, not one of our profession living in that 
town: he said he had been at sundry meetings there, but 
few of them proved to satisfaction. So I left the matter 
for some days; but the concern followed me still. And it 
opened in my mind, that if I w^ouid have the bread of 
life to my soul, I must go to the place appointed for me 
to receive it, viz : to Belfast. 

I thereupon consulted several other Friends, all of whom 
approved of it. Upon application, the town hall was ob- 
tained for it, and fitted up with seats of deal boards. Some 
Friends attended from the meetings of Ballinderry, Lis- 
burn, Hillsborough and Newtown, particularly from Lis- 
burn several Friends accompanied me, and old Robert 
could not be easy without coming along in the rear of 
the company ; he sat next to me on the justices' bench. 

The magistrates were so favorable as to order the con- 
stable to stand at the door, to keep out the rabble ; the in- 
habitants of the town of the upper rank, with their wives 
and children, came to it in a decent, solid manner. 

I had had a great weight and fear on my mind respect- 
ing the undertaking ; but proceeding on the foundation 
hinted above, a steady hope and reverent dependence on 
the Almighty staid my mind, and I thought my friends 
felt for me, and felt unity of heart with me. The meet- 
ing was eminently favored with the clear light of the gos- 
pel, and the sweet sense and enjoyment of divine life and 
goodness. After the meeting, Robert, in a tender thank- 
ful frame of mind expressed his satisfaction, as did divers 
other Friends. It proved a good day, honorable to the 
cause of truth, and affording solid joy to us, who at- 
tended the meeting, which had been crowned with the 
Divine presence. 



1748.] JAMES GOUGH. 81 

After this, I had meetings of the like kind at Dungan- 
non, Moira, and Legicurry or Richhill, all of them open 
and comfortable. And indeed, in this visit to Ulster prov- 
ince, I was favored often with the supporting evidence of 
being under right direction. It had been on my mind for 
some years before, and I thought, I had waited till the 
right time. 

I was accompanied in this journey many miles and to 
many meetings, by my esteemed friend Thomas Greer, 
whose company was truly acceptable; also by my dear 
friend, Susanna Hatton, to such meetings as she could get 
out conveniently to attend. 

Some time after I also visited Munster province, ac- 
companied by my friend John Pirn, of Lackah. 

About this time the Methodists had got some footing in 
sundry parts of Ireland, and in Mountmelick in particular. 
John Curtis, a Friend, of Bristol, who had been one of 
them about a year, having been afterwards convinced of 
our principles, and received a gift of the ministry, came 
over upon a religious visit to Friends in Ireland, amongst 
whom his service was very acceptable. 

I was w r ith him at a large meeting in the court house in 
Athy, another in the assembly room at Athlone, and at 
several others, which were very large. He appeared in 
inwardness of mind to attend upon his gift, and follow its 
leading; and concluded his service in Ireland with an 
epistle to Friends whom he had visited ; which the na- 
tional meeting ordered to be printed. 

I mention this by reason of what follows. 

One afternoon John Wesley made his first entrance in- 
to Mountmelick, attended by a large company on horse- 
back, of those who joined him in society. As several of 
their ministers had been here before, some of whom had 



82 MEMOIR or [1748. 

invited me to come, and bring my family, to hear them 
preach the gospel. I had not as yet found freedom to go ; 
but hearing that John Wesley was to preach that evening 
in the open market-place, I was not easy to avoid going. 
So I went, and standing at a Friend's shop door, I heard 
him begin with the following preamble or introduction : 

" Before I unfold to you the oracles of God, I must first 
remove a stumbling block out of the way, which is this ; 
I understand one John Curtis, from Bristol, hath of late 
been travelling in these parts, and endeavoring to lay 
waste that good work which it hath pleased God to carry 
on by our hands, giving out that he was formerly a 
Methodist and acquainted with me. Now he never was 
a Methodist to my knowledge, and I think he could not 
be one in or about Bristol without it ; and as to any ac- 
quaintance with the said John Curtis, I solemnly declare 
I never had any; only I remember being twice in his 
company occasionally about eight years ago. I hope no 
man will account me an offender for speaking the truth. 
If George Fox were here he would embrace me for it." 

This was the substance of his introduction, in the same 
words, or very nearly the same, in which he delivered it, 
for I gave good attention to this part. Then he pro- 
ceeded to what he called unfolding the oracles of God, 
which I thought was stamping the matter far too high. 

That evening I got two Friends to accompany me to 
his lodging to speak to him hereupon. At the first men- 
tioning of the subject he discovered some warmth. "I 
tell you, John Curtis has done more harm in his journey 
through these parts, than ever he will do good as long 
as he lives. He has gone about scattering poison." This 
high charge he undertook to prove thus : " What poison is 
to the body, that bigotry is to the mind ; but John Curtis 



1748.] JAMES GOUGH. 83 

has been industrious to sow bigotry, that is, to sow dis- 
affection in the hearts of Christians toward one another, 
barely on account of difference in opinion." 

To all this, I replied to the following import : I was an 
entire stranger to John Curtis till he came into these parts, 
since which, I had made use of the opportunity of con- 
tracting an acquaintance with him; and being pretty 
much in his company, I have known him to be influ- 
enced with the universal love of God, and that he has en- 
deavored to propagate the same in others. This thou 
canst never call scattering poison; and if my account 
differ from thine, so doth the foundation on which it is 
built. For thine is only upon hearsay, which is too slen- 
der a foundation whereupon publicly to asperse any man's 
character, who is not present to answer and vindicate him- 
self. At this he seemed somewhat confused, and acknowl- 
edged that he had not duly considered that part of the 
matter ; but thought he might depend on the repeated in- 
formations he had received from different quarters. 

I further observed to him, that he ought to have duly 
regarded our Lord's directions, not to judge, &c. For if 
any good is done, it is the Lord that doth it, and in what 
way and by what instruments he pleases ; and therefore 
all the glory of it is due to him alone, and no part of that 
glory or honor to any instrument, which can do nothing 
of itself; and that it would be a sin in any instrument to 
take to itself what was due to God only : and that if John 
Curtis faithfully did what the Lord directed, he would be 
accepted, though no shining outward effects should arise 
from it. 

In regard to what thou hast alleged, of his sowing dis- 
affection in the hearts of Christians, towards one another, 
barely on account of difference in opinion ; something oc- 



84 MEMOIR OF [1748. 

curs to me on that head, which is, that John Curtis might 
be endued with a sense of the danger, which some might 
be in, of magnifying and extolling certain men, instead of 
giving all the glory to God, and apprehend it to be his 
dnty to caution and guard them against that danger, 
which might be misconstrued by some, as seeking to sow 
disaffection towards those men and their adherents, or to 
this effect. 

This opportunity concluded peaceably, with John Wes- 
ley's acknowledging, that it had been to his edification, 
and that he therefore wished he could get the like oppor- 
tunities with our Friends more frequently; that he saw 
some things in a clearer light than he had done before, 
and that he would never say any thing against John Cur- 
tis publicly again, unless he administered a real founda- 
tion for it. I heard he had the day before made the same 
preamble, or to the same purport, before his sermon at 
Edenderry, and would probably have gone on so from 
place to place. 

I wrote to John Curtis hereupon, who answered, that 
he never pretended to, nor ever spoke of his having any 
intimate acquaintance with John Wesley ; but that he was 
regularly a Methodist for some time, he sent me a certifi- 
cate, signed by several of the same fraternity, and some 
other testimonials. 

Hereupon he wrote to John Wesley, and sent me over 
copies of the letters that passed between them. I did not 
see that this paper war, if continued, would be likely to 
serve any good purpose, and so I wrote to him, and it 
dropped. All the use I made of the above-said testi- 
monials, was occasionally to show them to some of the 
Methodists, and to one of their ministers. 

I was glad to see some in that part awakened out of 



1748.] JAME^ (IOUGH. 85 

their sleep of darkness, to a thoughtf illness about their 
souls, and sincerely wished the increase and promotion of 
solid piety ; but I had opportunity to observe there, that 
those who were innocent and well-minded before, have 
continued the most steady and circumspect in their con- 
duct ; that those who had before gone into gross pollu- 
tions, being induced to believe that regeneration was an 
instantaneous, not a gradual work, did not sufficiently re- 
main under repentance, to let it have its perfect work ; 
and that instead of pressing forward after the perfection 
of the inward life, denying self, and a conformity to this 
world in its corruptions, in language and practice, their 
zeal too much settled in the frequency of their meetings, 
hearing sermons, praying, singing, reading, and treasur- 
ing up Scripture texts and passages in their memories, 
talking them over too lightly and customarily in conver- 
sation, which rendered these Divine truths like salt with- 
out the proper savor, taking from them the awful weight 
and dignity due to them. 

By these means Christian fortitude, for standing stead- 
fast in reverent simplicity and holy vigilance, soon de- 
clined; a silent dependence on Christ, the true teacher, 
was irksome, and that dependence which was due to him 
misplaced on fallible men. The consequence was a dwind- 
ling, a blast on the first buddings of heavenly desires, a 
decay of the divine life; and many of them soon returned, 
like the sow T that was washed, to wallow in the mire and 
filth of transgression again ; and threw off the affectation, 
the insipid, and surfeiting talk of religion ; the form of 
godliness, which they had too much gloried in, for want 
of humbly abiding under the purifying power thereof. 



86 MEMOIR OF [1750. 



CHAPTER VII. 

MARRIAGE TO ELIZABETH BARNES. ATTENDS LONDON YEARLY 
MEETING, AND VISITS FRIENDS IN WALES. REMOVES TO BRIS- 
TOL, ENGLAND. REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE SOCIETY IN IRE- 
LAND DURING HIS RESIDENCE THERE. REMARKS ON CHANGES 
EXPERIENCED IN HIS REMOVAL TO ANOTHER NEIGHBORHOOD. 

Sometime after this, a vacancy falling out in the city of 
Dublin, by the death of John Beetham, Friends' school- 
master there, and the return to England of George Routh, 
who had tried the place after him, my brother being en- 
couraged by Friends there to take the charge of that 
school, seemed inclined thereto, and as the prospect was 
promising, I freely assented to his removal, although there- 
by I was left singly to undergo the labor and care of a 
large family of boarders, in which he and his wife had 
been useful assistants since the death of my wife. Think- 
ing it best to change my situation, I accordingly mar- 
ried Elizabeth Barnes, daughter of Thomas Barnes, of 
Waterford. 

About two weeks after our marriage, we went together 
to the summer half-year's meeting in Dublin. In our way 
we spent the First-day among our friends at Timahoe, it 
being the last meeting there to many of them. For in a 
few days after, several of their families came to Dublin 
to embark for North Carolina, to settle upon my cousin 
Arthur Dobb's, lands there, who was their landlord at 
Timahoe, and who, upon my application, had offered to me 
for life, and after it to my son John and his heirs, one 
thousand acres of that land. Robert Millhouse, of Tima- 
hoe, was to choose land next to that which himself should 



1761.] JAMES GOUGH. 87 

take, but the captain of the ship in which they went, not 
being well acquainted with the coast, ran too far to the 
southward, landed them at Charleston, in South Carolina, 
and thereupon they settled in that province, so I was disap- 
pointed in my expectation of getting the land taken up 
by him. Two other opportunities afterwards presented 
some probability of getting it taken up ; but by various 
accidents, my hopes were again disappointed ; may all 
disappointments of this kind incite to a greater diligence 
in seeking the one thing needful, that good part, which 
shall never be taken away. 

We resided about ten years after our marriage in 
Mountmelick ; during which time an increasing private 
family and the necessary attendance on my house and 
school, prevented my going any great journey ; but I at- 
tended monthly, province, and national meetings gener- 
ally, in which I was often favored, among my brethren, 
with the fresh arisings of life and the renewing of inward 
strength. 

My wife being of a very weakly and tender constitu- 
tion, I apprehended the fatigue and burdensome care of 
a boarding-school a load too heavy for her, and from 
hence conceived a desire, with submission to the ordering 
of divine Providence, of a place where the weight might 
rest more upon my shoulders, and less on hers ; and hav- 
ing made previous application, I received an invitation 
to return to Bristol, and resume the school there. 

Hereupon, after some time, I threw up my school in 
Mountmelick, attended the Fifth Month National Meet- 
ing at Dublin ; after which I embarked there with three 
Friends more, to attend the Yearly Meeting at London. 
AVe went aboard ship on Fifth-day morning, and landed 
at Parkgate next morning, and had an evening meeting 



88 MEMOIR OF [1761. 

at Liverpool. On Seventh-day went to Warrington ; on 
First-clay morning, to the general meeting at Frandley, in 
Cheshire. On Second-day we reached Birmingham ; after 
meeting there on Third-day we went to Coventry. On 
Fourth-day, after a meeting at Coventry, we reached 
Towcester, and London the next day. 

After the Yearly Meeting was over, Isaac Jackson re- 
turned home ; Joshua Wilson stayed a little time amongst 
his relations, and Joseph Inman and I, accompanied by 
our kind landlord, John Eliott, of London, on Third-day 
came to an evening meeting at Reading, appointed to 
begin at the sixth hour. Next morning Joseph Inman 
and I were at the Monthly Meeting at Newberry, and 
that evening at a small meeting at Marlborough ; on 
Fifth-day we came to a meeting at Calne, and after it, to 
John Fry's, at Sutton-benjar. Next day, after meeting 
there, to Bath, and on Seventh-day to Bristol, where we 
stayed till Sixth-day morning, when leaving Bristol, we 
crossed the new passage into Wales ; that night came to 
Cardiff, and the next to Swanzey, where we stayed over 
the First-day ; and on a Second-day were at an evening 
meeting at Carmarthen. On Third-day at Llandewy- 
brevy. On Fourth-day, by way of Llaneedless, we reached 
John Goodwin's. At Llaneedless we went to see a 
Friend's widow. We found her spinning in her poor 
habitation, and she seemed rejoiced to see us, and as we 
had no guide, she readily offered herself for a guide to 
John Goodwin's, which they called five miles ; but it took 
us near three hours riding. 

On Fifth-day, after meeting at this ancient, worthy 
Friend's house, we went to his son-in-law, Humphrey 
Owen's, on the seaside, who had married John's eldest 
daughter ; on Sixth-day, after meeting, said Humphrey 



1761.] JAMES GO UGH. 89 

accompanied us to his brother Lewis Owen's, near Dol- 
gelly, in Merionethshire ; and next day along a moun- 
tainous road to Carnarvan, where we staid, and had a 
meeting by ourselves ; and after dinner, came to Holy- 
head, on First-day evening. On Second-day morning, 
about two o'clock, our kind friend saw us on the packet- 
boat, and then took leave of us. On Third-day, in the 
evening, we landed in Dublin, and next evening I got 
safe home to my wife and children in Mountmelick. 

After my return, I attended the Quarterly Meeting for 
Munster, at Clonmel, and that for Leinster at Enniscorthy, 
and then I got my large family ready for our removal, 
consisting of my wife and her mother, in her eightieth 
year, eight children, and a nurse to the youngest, about 
eight months old. With the assistance of sundry kind 
friends, particularly Thomas Strangman, of Mountmelick, 
we all got w T ell to Waterford, and from thence, after stay- 
ing about ten days with our friends there, to Bristol. 

Now leaving Ireland, after having sojourned there about 
twenty-four years, and received much affection and kind- 
ness from many friends, of which I hope to retain the 
grateful remembrance as long as my memory shall con- 
tinue, let me review the state of our Society there during 
that space of time. 

At my first going thither, there were yet living in most 
parts of the nation, where meetings w T ere settled, some of 
the good old stock, both ministers and elders, who loved 
God and mankind, and were esteemed and beloved by 
them, being kind and open-hearted, as well as faithful and 
circumspect in all the branches of our Christian testimony, 
closely united in tender love one with another, in support- 
ing it, and keeping things in good order in the church. 
Their pious care herein was like a fence about the flock, 



90 MEMOIR OF [1761. 

which kept them together in near unity and greater safety ; 
so that the young people in most parts, were generally 
trained up in innocence of manners, and in plainness of 
habit and speech. 

Some indeed, chiefly of the young men grown up, had 
for some time past, refused submission to the good order 
established , but I lived there long enough to see the un- 
happy consequences thereof, both to many of themselves, 
and to the body whereof they were members. Though 
their tables abounded with elegant dishes„ and a variety 
of liquors ; though they made a figure and were envied or 
caressed for a time ; yet most of them were either cut 
short by death, or fell into disgrace. The hand of the 
Lord seemed to be against these introducers and spreaders 
of corrupt liberty ; and they never attained that true honor 
and peace, which attended the worthy men and women 
above hinted at, to whom the first departure of such was 
matter of great concern and anxiety, from a clear fore- 
sight of the hurtful consequences thereof; and much labor 
and pains they took to put a stop to it, and prevent the 
spreading thereof, particularly in the city of Cork, and 
therefore they were clear of it. 

But though some of these were too large for the girdle 
of truth to meet about them, or to be limited by the de- 
sires of their best friends ; yet I found the discipline of 
the church better maintained, during my first years in 
Cork, than before them in Bristol ; tending to edification, 
brotherly comfort and love, and mutual encouragement 
in piety and virtue, with a joint desire and care to pre- 
serve a uniform regularity, and to revive and maintain a 
religious fervency toward God. 

Some Friends from the several parts attended their prov- 
ince meetings, which were held regularly once in six weeks, 



1761.] JAMES GO UGH, 91 

and circulated from one part to another, yet were most fre- 
quently held in Cork. Those meetings were often sweetly fa- 
vored, through the coming together of sincere, lively spirit- 
ed friends. At one of these meetings in particular, in 
Cork, soon after my coming to it, we had the company of 
John Duckett, from Leinster, a worthy Elder. In the 
men's meeting he spoke to us with such divine authority 
and sweetness, that to me his words seemed fitly spoken 
indeed, and, " like apples of gold in pictures of silver." 

The half year's meetings in Dublin were attended by 
some Friends from most parts of the nation. Here, in the 
meetings for discipline, as well as for worship, a zeal for 
the honor of God, and the good of the church presided, 
and Friends were incited to keep all things in proper order 
in the church. The first time I attended a half year's 
meeting, was in the winter of 1742, and it was indeed a 
lively, good meeting, which I hope never to forget. After 
I removed from Cork to Mountmelick, I attended the 
national and provincial meetings for Leinster pretty con- 
stantly, and often in them was affected with reverent 
gratitude to the Almighty, who by the discoveries of di- 
vine wisdom, instituted them for the support and edifica- 
tion of the church, and in them frequently owned the 
gatherings of his people in his name, by the evident mani- 
festation of his divine presence. 

In process of time these worthy men and women, in 
whose hearts the love of God and of his people, had, by 
long growth, become deeply rooted, one after another, 
finished their course honorably, leaving an excellent savor 
behind them ; but when they were removed, very few of 
the youth or others, succeeded them in the right line, to 
fill up their vacant places with propriety. Of their sur- 
vivors, on one hand, a considerable number retained the 



92 MEMOIR OF [1761. 

ancient plainness of language and habit, and were rigidly 
censorious of any deviation therefrom, and valued them- 
selves thereupon, as if it were the only test and badge of 
discipleship, while their hearts were gone after their covet- 
ousness,in eagerly pursuing and sordidly hoarding temporal 
wealth. On the other hand, was a large body of youth 
and others, shooting up in self-indulgence, in conformity 
to the world, and rushing headlong into the temptations 
of the times. Yet amidst this inundation of negligence 
and revolt, there remain in most places, a number of 
sincere-hearted Friends, a few worthy ministers and elders ; 
but within these twenty years past, there has been a great 
alteration for the worse. 

The proposals which Friends of Bristol made me ap- 
peared sufficiently encouraging to promise a pretty easy 
situation, as to temporals ; and when in Mountmelick, this 
city was presented to my view for a residence for me and 
my family, it was brought to my remembrance, how in 
my young years, it was made to me what Bethel was to 
Jacob in his youthful time, when he travelled alone, with 
his staff, obeying the command of his parents ; that is, the 
place where the Lord first visited me with his power and 
light, and was a father to me, when I was, as it were, 
alone, and far from my parents and all my relations. 
After many years, and a great increase of family, He 
called Jacob to go up again to Bethel and dwell there, 
and erect an altar to his God; and thereupon Jacob 
obliged his household to put away their strange gods, to be 
clean, and change their garments ; and so they went. Un- 
der this view, I hoped this removal might be attended 
with beneficial effects to me and mine, and that I had in 
degree, concurrence therein, being favored of the Lord 
among my dear friends in Ireland, in taking leave of them. 



1761.] JAMES GOUGH. 93 

But promised happiness in this life, often proves a phan- 
tom that flies from us as we pursue ; we often think we 
have it in prospect, but it still keeps beyond our reach ; 
they who would attain certain and durable happiness, 
should extend their views beyond this life. 

For, notwithstanding the apparent encouraging pros- 
pect, after a while I found things, both provisions and 
labor, so much dearer here than in Ireland, that discour- 
agements and embarrassments crowded upon me to that 
degree, that I was often brought very low, under the 
gloomy prospect, and my faith was put to a severe trial ; 
yet it pleased kind Providence to make way for me, and 
raise me relief in his own time, for which I desire to be 
ever gratefully thankful, and unreservedly dedicated in 
heart to his service, whose mercies fail not. 

I found also a change in another respect not agreeable to 
the natural disposition. He who had visited my soul, and 
called me into the ministry, had given me a great place 
in the particular and near regard, affection and esteem of 
Friends in Ireland, where I had an open door, and was 
often much enlarged in gospel love. Mostly attending the 
province meetings in Leinster, Friends were rejoiced to see 
me, and apt to think me much missed, if at any time I 
did not get out to any of them. Whenever I did, I met 
such a welcome reception amongst Friends, being often 
opened to their edification, and to our mutual endearment 
to each other in the sweet streams of divine life, and such 
ready attendance and kindness as were very pleasing to 
nature. 

But coming from thence to Bristol, where I was now 
become a stranger to many, and where they were full fed 
as to vocal ministry, I was here very much shut up, and 
for a season seemed to have lost the caresses, cordial in- 



94 MEMOIR OF [1761. 

vitations, and that place I had amongst friends in Ireland ; 
which, however, though in my present trying circumstan- 
ces, a seemingly additional discouragement, was not an 
unprofitable dispensation ; for though it was the great 
favor of the Almighty, whereby I was opened among my 
friends to their edification, and their hearts opened towards 
me; yet herein the enemy artfully laid his snares and 
often prevailed over my unwatchful soul, to my inward 
hurt. For what are all the caresses of mankind? Of 
small value in themselves, and often injurious to them 
whom they please, conveying hidden poison to the un- 
guarded mind ; while that which alone w T ill stand us in 
real stead, and be of infinite advantage, is to get and keep 
the favor of the Almighty ; may I therefore want and even 
reject, whatever would please and nourish that spirit, which 
ought to come under daily mortification. 

The inward near unity, sympathy, esteem and affection 
of friends and brethren, is a very grateful and pleasing 
enjoyment ; but it may be proper and good for us to be 
tried and proved, with being stripped of every leaning 
stock, but the only sure foundation, that we may thereby 
be driven to have recourse to it, and keep our only safe 
habitation there. May this, after a life so tossed up and 
down, as mine has been, at length become my case on any 
terms ; and if it be, it will be more than worth all I have 
yet suffered, were it many times more ; for all else will be 
soon over, but this will never end. 



1761.] JAMES GOUGH. 95 



CHAPTER VIII. 

NOTICE OF THE END OF THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JAMES GOUGH, 
AND REMARKS BY HIS BROTHER, JOHN GOUGH, IN CONTINU- 
ING THE NARRATIVE. ENGAGEMENTS AT AND NEAR HOME. 
DEATH OF HIS SON JOHN, IN HIS TWENTY-FIRST YEAR. NO- 
TICE OF HIS FUNERAL AND EXEMPLARY CHARACTER. CON- 
SIDERATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE YOUTH. VISITS FRIENDS IN 
ENGLAND, WALES AND IRELAND. 

Thus far my deceased brother proceeded in the narra- 
tive of the transactions of his own life. I find by the pa- 
pers in my hands, that, as noted in the preface, he drew up 
a review thereof at sundry periods, and commenced the 
last in the sixty-sixth year of his age ; which, it is proba- 
ble, had he lived to finish it, would have exhibited, in a 
continued narration, the succeeding occurrences of his life, 
to near the present time ; but he proceeded only a little 
way in the last review ; and the former in his fifty-fourth 
year terminates here. I regret the want of this continua- 
tion by that hand, which only could give it with those 
interesting reflections, resulting from a recollection of the 
feelings attending the successive occurrences of his life. 
This is an advantage that no other hand can supply ; but 
as I have in my hands the abstracts of succeeding journeys 
and sundry other papers, I shall endeavor to supply the 
deficiency to the best of my ability. 

After his settling in Bristol, he seems to have been 
pretty much engaged in his outward, confining occupa- 
tion, for the support of himself and a large family, so as to 
travel little abroad in the service of Truth, except in short 
excursions to the neighboring meetings, and other services 
in the vicinage of that city ; and to the Yearly Meeting in 



96 MEMOIK OF [1769. 

London, which he attended constantly for several years, 
and where his service was, I believe, generally acceptable. 
It was here for the first time after his removal to Bristol, 
and several years separation, I had the satisfaction to 
meet with him, which was no inconsiderable addition to 
the comfort and edification I was favored with, in the at- 
tendance of that meeting in 1771. And being mostly 
with him at meetings and elsewhere, I had the agreeable 
opportunity of observing, that the spirit of universal love, 
which characterized him in a peculiar manner, procured 
him the like open reception there, as formerly amongst 
his friends in Ireland ; and that the liveliness which still 
accompanied his public ministry, procured him also an 
open door for the reception of his labor and service 
therein. 

During this interval, in the year 1769, he met with a 
close trial in the death of his deservedly beloved son John, 
a young man of amiable manners and valuable qualities 
beyond most of his years, being blessed with a good natu- 
ral disposition and capacity, well improved in his minority 
by a diligent application to useful learning, under the 
tuition of his father and preceptor; to whom the easy 
task of instructing him, his assiduity and ready proficiency 
conveyed secret joy and pleasing hopes of future satisfac- 
tion in a son, who gave such promising tokens of making 
a useful and honorable member of religious and civil 
society. Nor were these hopes frustrated in the advancing 
stages of his short life ; for as he grew up, being favored 
with solid religious impressions, he sought after and at- 
tained best wisdom to a degree, in general, exceeding his 
age. In his entrance on the stage of life, a propriety and 
steadiness of deportment, that might adorn advanced 
years, attracted the notice and respectful regard of the 



1769.] JAMES GOUGH. 97 

best Friends, who had the opportunity of observing or 
being acquainted with him. By a conscientious discharge 
of every social and religious duty, as a dutiful son, as 
an affectionate brother, as an exemplary pattern of plain- 
ness, sobriety and circumspection of life, he gave evident 
indications that he was early acquainted with the grace 
and truth which came by Jesus Christ. 

I apprehend he was for a season an assistant to his 
father in his school ; but the weight of care and embar- 
rassment of this occupation not suiting the present temper 
of his mind, discouraged him from continuing in that line 
of life ; and therefore, meeting with an offer from a Friend 
in London, to assist him in his business in the capacity 
of a clerk, he removed thither ; and there he laid down 
the body in or about the twenty-first year of his age, as I 
recollect, having in this station, as well as every other, 
conducted himself with fidelity, reputation and honor; in 
testimony whereof I have an extract of a letter from his 
employer to his father, communicated in one from the 
latter, of Tenth Month 26th, 1769, as follows, viz: 

" I now doubt of my eldest son John's being any longer 
in this world ; he was seized with a violent fever last 
First-day week. B. R., in last Seventh-day's letter, writes: 
i For my own part, I do not much expect his recovery, 
which is a great affliction to me on divers accounts ; yet 
I hope to be resigned to the will of Providence, being 
well assured, if he be removed, it will be to his eternal 
gain, although my very great loss as well as thine, and 
many others, by whom he is dearly beloved. Oh ! that 
my life, and that of all that know him, may be like his, 
that at our death we may say as he did to my wife : ' I 
have done all that I had to do, and must now go home. ' ; 
9 



98 MEMOIR OF [1769. 

Soon after, he died ; and in my brother's next letter he 
writes me the following account of his funeral: "My son 
John's funeral was uncommonly remarkable. It was 
taken to the new meeting-house at Park, in South wark. 
The meeting was excessively crowded, and many without- 
doors. It was attended by several public Friends, many 
Friends from several meetings in the city, and many out 
of the country, from the love they bore him ; the oppor- 
tunity by all accounts was eminently favored, the service 
thereof falling to the lot of our worthy, well qualified 
Friend, Samuel Fothergill, to the tendering of the hearts 
of many present. 

"Through Divine favor and assistance, I freely gave 
him up, thankful for having such a son, who hath left 
behind him too few like him in pure, unmixed goodness, 
which diligently exerted itself to do well. He was a most 
affectionate, dutiful son, both to me and his present mother ; 
so complete a pattern in every virtue, that I have heard 
many in London and Bristol say, that they never saw one 
of his years like him. He is happily gone before, safely 
landed in the port of rest ; and that we may land there 
is all that we have to desire and be concerned for." 

These short testimonies to the memory of my deceased 
nephew, I thought proper to insert here ; first, because I 
am of opinion, had his father lived to continue his own 
account of the occurrences of his life so far, he would 
not have omitted one so nearly affecting him ; and it was 
my purpose to notice what I apprehend he would have 
done, for edification, as far as I have materials. Second- 
ly, I thought the delineation of such a character might 
be of service to some of the youth of this generation, as 
an example for them to imitate ; as an evidence that 
early piety may, through Divine assistance, be attained ; 



1769.] james go ran. 99 

and that if we seek it in sincerity, and with full purpose 
of heart, our search will not be in vain. " I love them," 
saith Wisdom, " that love me, and they that seek Me early 
shall find me." As an awakening instance of the uncer- 
tain tenure of all things in this transitory life ; that all 
flesh is grass, and the goodliness of man as the flower of 
the field ; and as a powerful incentive, in consideration 
thereof, to extend our views beyond the short-lived glory 
and fading enjoyments of this uncertain world, to the 
durable riches of righteousness, and everlasting rew T ards 
thereof. 

May the rising youth hereby be incited so to number 
their days, as that they may apply their hearts to wisdom, 
in order to make timely preparation for their final change ; 
and not suffer themselves to be so far deluded as to put 
off this necessary work to some future stage of life, which 
they can have no assurance of attaining to, reasoning 
with themselves, through the suggestions of the enemy, 
that gavety, festivity, and fleshly liberties, being agreeable 
to their present age, may be safely indulged for a season, 
as they have much time to repent and grow T sober in; 
and that at some more advanced period, when gravity 
and seriousness will be more suitable to their years, they 
will then apply to those things that belong to peace. Had 
this virtuous young man so reasoned, and so acted, how 
different had the savor he left behind him been ; but O, 
how T very widely different his condition in his immortal 
state ! 

" If any man w T ill come after me," said our blessed Lord, 
" let him take up his cross daily, deny himself, and follow 
me." Since, then, these are the prescribed terms of disei- 
pleship, and if we would be eternally happy, are to be sub- 
mitted to, at one period of our lives or other ; they have 



100 MEMOIR OF [1769. 

greatly the advantage, who are so wise as to submit there- 
to, in the early part of life. It is good for a man that he 
bear the yoke in his youth, before his evil propensities be 
so confirmed by indulgence as to become habitual ; cus- 
tom has a powerful influence over the human mind, and 
the cross to evil habits is hard to endure. Can the Ethi- 
opian change his skin, or the leopard his spots ? " Then 
may ye also do good who are accustomed to do evil." On 
the contrary, as custom also makes hard things easy, if 
instead of accustoming ourselves to do evil, and thereby 
strengthening our natural propensities thereto, we accus- 
tom our necks to the yoke of Christ, we shall much sooner 
feel his yoke become easy, and his burden light ; and 
early piety is the surest ground of an easy and peaceful 
passage through this vale of tears, as well as laying a 
good foundation for futurity. " Godliness is profitable 
unto all things, having the promise of the life that now 
is, and of that which is to come ;" and those have in a 
general way proved most eminently serviceable, and the 
brightest lights in their generation, who have entered 
early into covenant with their Maker, and kept the cov- 
enant of their youth. 

I sincerely desire the youth into whose hands this may 
fall, may deeply ponder these interesting reflections, so as 
seriously to consider their latter end, and make timely 
preparation for it; as not knowing at what hour the Mas- 
ter may come, at midnight, at cock-crowing, or the dawn- 
ing of the day. And then I am well convinced they 
would be weaned, not only from the luxury, dissipation, 
and gross enormities of the world, but from an affectation 
of and conformity to the vain amusements, manners and 
fashions thereof, which many indulge themselves in, to 
their hurt. Let them not satisfy themselves with an ap- 



1769.] JAMES GOT (ill. 101 

prehension that they indulge only in things of an indif- 
ferent nature, and in which religion is not concerned ; 
but instead of unwisely measuring themselves by them- 
selves, and comparing themselves amongst themselves, 
bring their deeds to the true criterion, the light of Christ, 
that it may be made manifest what source they originate 
from ; and in the light many of the little things will be 
seen to draw the mind from its proper centre, and the 
seats of those that sell doves, occupying the temple of the 
heart, to unfit it for an house of prayer. 

It is not sufficient that we are preserved from gross 
evils, although this is laudable ; but if we are concerned 
to make our calling and election sure, and to secure an 
inheritance amongst them that are sanctified, we are to 
walk in obedience to the will of God, which is our sanc- 
tification, revealed by his grace in our hearts, which 
teaches to deny ourselves, not only of those things that 
are manifestly evil ; but of those also, that, under the 
appearance of being indifferent, gratify our carnal de- 
sires, and draw the mind into folly and vanity, from that 
state of vigilance on which our safety depends. We are 
not only to abstain from those irregularities in conduct 
which injure our reputation with men ; but to keep such 
a guard upon the avenues of the heart that we suffer 
no thief to find entertainment there, to steal away our 
affections from God, or defile this temple of the Holy 
Ghost. Man is created but a little lower than the angels, is 
designed for higher and nobler pursuits than the gratifica- 
tions of sense ; and not to rest satisfied in merely avoid- 
ing that conduct which exposes him to censure ; but to 
follow that which merits praise and procures Divine ap- 
probation. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are 
true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are 
9* 



102 memoiii of [1773. 

just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are 
lovely, whatsoever things are of good report : if there be 
any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these 
things." 

My brother having now for several years been princi- 
pally engaged in the necessary care and labor to provide 
for those of his own household, in the latter end of the 
year 1773, felt a religious concern on his mind to visit 
Friends in some of the counties of England, and also 
those of Ireland, in company with Thomas Melhuish, of 
Taunton, in Somersetshire ; and in order to set himself at 
liberty to accomplish these visits, he resigned his school 
in Bristol. 

He soon after entered on the service before him, in a 
visit to Friends in some of the western and southern 
counties of England, and the city of London and its en- 
virons ; of which visit I received information from him, 
in the letters he wrote to me at that time ; the following 
extracts whereof will best supply what is wanting here: 

London, 18th of First Month, 1774. 

" I have been now near four months closely employed 
in visiting Friends through the four counties of Somerset, 
Devon, Dorset and Hants ; and sat with Friends at many 
of their Monthly Meetings, and the three Quarterly Meet- 
ings for Somersetshire, Dorsetshire, and Hampshire : all 
of which were large for the season of the year, and fa- 
vored by the Master of our assemblies with that power of 
love which unites his true servants everywhere in a holy 
concern for the honor of his Name, and for the faithful 
support of that testimony he has called them to bear. 

"I reached this city last First-da v morning, having 



1773.] JAMES GO UGH. 103 

ridden eleven miles before meeting. I was at Gracious 
street that morning, at which were Sarah Taylor and 
Tabitha Marriott, the former of whom was favored with 
a lively opportunity ; it was a good meeting, and ended 
well. I was thankful for having reached it. In the 
afternoon I was at Devonshire house ; the meeting was 
very large, and fresh ability was given to treat with the 
youth and others, in the merciful opening of the pure 
spring of the gospel. Yesterday I attended the select 
morning meeting, and in the afternoon the Two Weeks' 
Meeting. And in the evening, Thomas Corby n, with his 
lodgers, the Friends above-mentioned, visited at my lodg- 
ings, where we had a consolatory time of retirement, in 
which our heavenly Father was graciously pleased to 
break the bread of life amongst us. I shall be likely to 
be three or four weeks in and about London, and when I 
am clear, I have the meetings of Berkshire and Wiltshire 
to visit in my way home. I desire to be every clay where 
I ought and as I ought, that if I can do no good, I may 
be in the way of renewedly receiving some fresh supply 
from the living fountain, which refreshes and spiritually 
unites all the true travellers heavenward, in daily grati- 
tude to the kind Author of all good." 

" London, 5th of Second Month, 1774. 
"My dear companion, who has obtained his credentials 
from their Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, writes to 
me, that he is hastened in his mind to move forward ; but 
both he and I must submit to bear the curb, and exercise 
patience. I am at times assaulted with earnest longings 
to make haste home, to get a little time there, before my 
coming over to visit Friends in Ireland ; still I am favored 
with the renewing of that gracious help which raises over 



104 MEMOIR OF [1773. 

all things, and gives the single desire of being both where 
and what I should be. I entered on this service with an 
earnest desire, that I might be both guided and guarded 
aright ; and hitherto with great thankfulness have to ac- 
knowledge, that my prayers have been answered ; and 
that He who hath the key of David, hath been graciously 
pleased many times to open his storehouse, and from 
thence to unfold doctrine, counsel, consolation, and re- 
proof, to the different states of the people." 

" London, 1st of Third Month, 1774. 

" I have now been in this city seven First-days' and 
seven Second-days' morning meetings, and through the 
other parts of those weeks have, besides those of London, 
Westminster and South wark, labored in sundry meetings 
around them. To-morrow I expect to attend the last two 
meetings here: that for worship at Gracious street, in the 
morning, and the Monthly Meeting at Devonshire house, 
in the afternoon ; next day to set off for Berkshire, Wilt- 
shire and Bristol. So that it looks likely to be the Fourth 
Month before I can set out for Dublin. 

" I have cause to be humbly thankful to the Author 
of all our mercies, who hath been kind to me through 
my winter's travels, favoring me with good health, through 
all winds and weathers, and with a kind reception every- 
where. At this city, being entered into my proper labor 
and business, I have found that I could not retire hence 
any sooner than the stay above mentioned, and I think I 
shall not overstay my time, but rather otherwise, having 
found an enlargement of heart beyond expectation, and 
having contributed to increase the morning meeting of 
elders here, with a valuable addition thereto, though I 
found it hard to labor through the diffidence and reluct- 



1774.] JAMES GO UGH. 105 

ance of some ; yet the power and love of Truth at length 
prevailed, to the satisfaction and comfort of many good 
Friends." 



He got home on the 8th of Third Month, and in about 
a week afterward took a turn to the Quarterly Meeting 
of Somersetshire, at Glastonbury, and that for Wiltshire, 
at Devizes, and was at some other meetings in his way 
from one to the other. 

The beginning of Fourth Month he left home on his 
intended visit to Ireland ; he came to the Quarterly Meet- 
ing at AVorcester, and thence by Birmingham, Coventry, 
Dudley and Stourbridge, to Colebrookdale, where he was 
at meeetings at the New-dale and Old-dale, and visited 
sundry families, accompanied by Daniel Rose. 

From Colebrookdale he went by Shrewsbury to Dolo- 
bran, where the meeting-house Avas nearly full ; the meet- 
ing began at eight o'clock in the morning, and was very 
comfortable. The next day he got to Lie win dee, to William 
Howell's, son-in-law to the late worthy Friend John Good- 
win, with whom John's widow was then living, being 
eighty-three years of age, and had a meeting there ; and 
from thence he went by Llaneedless to the Welsh Yearly 
Meeting at Brecknock, which began on the 26th of Fourth 
Month. The meeting of ministers and elders began at 
nine o'clock in the morning, and at three in the afternoon 
a meeting of Friends only ; and after it the men's meet- 
ing, which held till it was almost dark, and then ad- 
journed to the seventh hour next morning, when Friends 
met again, and the meeting held till about nine. At ten 
the public meeting began in the town-hall, which was ex- 
cessively crowded, and satisfactory. 

This Yearly Meeting ended the 27th of Fourth Month, 



106 MEMOIR OF [1774. 

and the half-year's Meeting in Dublin was to begin the 
1st of Fifth Month. So he writes: "William Howell and 
I came forty-one miles after dinner, to Llaneedless, where, 
on the 28th, we had a large meeting in the town-hall, or 
session room, beginning at eight o'clock, which was much 
favored. Margaret Jarman and Mary Hunt accompanied 
us from thence to Escargoch, where we also had a mem- 
orable opportunity, our hearts being much tendered to- 
gether." On the 29th, being the Sixth-day of the week, he 
set off from Llewindee, accompanied by Owen Owen, son 
of Humphrey Owen aforementioned, and grandson to 
John Goodwin, for Holyhead; and that day, although 
they were detained some hours for the tide to fall, till 
they could cross a river in the way, and in crossing which, 
they were for a good while up to the saddle skirts, they 
reached Carnarvan, being fifty miles, that night, and Holy- 
head about eleven o'clock in the forenoon of Seventh- 
day; went aboard the packet boat about two o'clock on 
First-day morning; but having little wind, did not get to 
Dublin till Second-day evening, being the 2nd day of the 
Fifth Month, and of the National Meeting. 

Of his journey in Ireland he kept a brief diary : but 
not so particular as of the former through Wales, being 
only a summary account of the meetings and places he 
was at each day, without any remarks on meetings or 
occurrences to diversify the narration, and therefore I 
shall be obliged to comprise the relation thereof in a nar- 
row compass. 

He visited the meetings in course ; first, by Edenderry, 
Rathangan and Ballitore, to the Six-weeks' Meeting at 
Carlow, and thence westward, to Ballimurry, and returned 
to the Quarterly Meeting at Edenderry, in concert with 
his companion, Thomas Melhuish. From thence they 



1774.] JAMES GO UGH. 107 

directed their course towards the province of Minister 
by Tullamore, Birr and Kilconnermore, to Limerick, and 
from thence through Munster, finishing their visit to that 
province, at the Province Meeting at Waterford ; thence 
through the county of Wexford, and so into the county 
of Carlow, where Thomas Melhuish and he separated, at 
Castledermot, Thomas's draft being to Ulster, and my 
brother's concern more to the adjacent parts of Leinster. 

After parting with Thomas Melhuish, he continued vis- 
iting Friends in these parts, till the Province Meeting at 
Wicklow, after which, and spending some days in Dublin, 
he went from thence to the Province Meeting for Ulster, 
at Ballinderry, and returned pretty directly back to Dub- 
lin, without appointing any meeting in that province, and 
continued visiting meetings in different parts of Leinster 
Province, chiefly till the ensuing Quarterly Meeting, which 
was held at Enniscorthy, and from thence proceeded di= 
rectly to Waterford, to take shipping for Bristol. 

This visit took him up near four months, for he em- 
barked for Bristol on or about the 24th of Eighth Month, 
the greatest part of which time seems to have been em- 
ployed in Leinster Province, having visited most parts 
thereof at least twice over. 



108 MEMOIR OF [1777. 



CHAPTER IX. 

RETURNS TO DUBLIN TO RESIDE. RELINQUISHES SCHOOL TEACH- 
ING. EXERCISES OF MIND IN THE PROSPECT OF A RELIGIOUS 
VISIT TO ULSTER PROVINCE. ENGAGES IN A VISIT TO ULSTER. 
REFLECTIONS ON THE END DESIGNED BY VISITS OF THIS KIND. 

Having, as aforementioned, resigned his school at Bris- 
tol, in order to be at liberty to discharge what was pointed 
out to him as a duty; and his service being now finished, 
he was out of employment for the support of himself and 
family. The prospect of this in giving up to this service, 
must, I imagine, have been a pretty close trial of faith ; 
as he could not, at the time of his resignation, have any 
apprehension of the way which afterwards opened for their 
employment and subsistence ; but knowing He was faith- 
ful who had called him into the service, he was strength- 
ened to go forth in faith, and a humble dependence on 
Him whom he served, for support, inwardly and out- 
wardly ; and in due time a way opened for him to his 
satisfaction. By my removal from Dublin, where I had 
resided upwards of twenty-three years, to Lisburn, which 
happened during his travels in this nation, the school 
there became vacant. Whereupon Friends of Dublin 
made him proposals to undertake the care thereof; to 
which he agreed, and soon after his return to Bristol, re- 
moved with his family to settle in that city. 

The necessary attendance upon his school, confined him 
pretty much to the place of his residence, and parts- adja- 
cent, for the space of two or three years ; till about the 
summer of 1777, when his family being grown up, and 
mostly in a way to provide for themselves, and his young- 



1777.] JAMES GOUGH. 109 

est son having gotten an agreeable place of apprenticeship, 
he found his way open finally to relinquish the confining 
and exercising occupation of his school, in order to be 
more at liberty in the evening of his day, to accomplish 
the remaining part of his day's work, against the termina- 
tion thereof; and from this time to his removal out of this 
life, he was much engaged to travel and labor amongst 
Friends in the different quarters of this nation, for the 
promotion of truth and righteousness. 

As he had not visited Ulster Province in his late visit 
to this nation, the discharging of that debt was the prin- 
cipal service pointed out to him, in the following manner, 
as he himself expresses it in the introduction to his ac- 
count of said visit. 

"Seventh Month 1st, 1777. A good Friend from Eng- 
land lately told us, in a meeting, that our old copy books 
were sullied, and too full of blots ; that we should get new 
books to keep our accounts in, and keep them fair and 
clean ; and I wished, with the Lord's assistance, to do so, 
viz : to have my heart and life made and kept clean. 

" I felt a longing desire to undergo afresh the ' washing 
of regeneration/ in order to be favored with ' the renewing 
of the Holy Ghost/ I thought He who said to the blind 
man, * Go wash in the pool of Siloam,' said unto me, Go 
to the northern parts of Ireland, to visit what is left there 
of the professors of truth ; and therewith infused the new 
covenant, or solemn engagement on my part, to give up 
thereto, Oh, poor cold north ; almost totally dead as to the 
Divine life ! In visiting thy sons and daughters, I foresee 
great anxieties, inward conflicts, and trying baptisms ; may 
I duly mind that part of Christ's counsel to his followers: 
' In your patience possess ye your souls ;' and, indeed, his 
10 



110 MEMOIR OE [1777. 

whole counsel conveyed through his Holy Spirit; as I 
have the greatest need closely to attend to it in all things, 
and practise faithful obedience thereto. 

" May I daily watch and pray, and labor, both to open 
a new book of accounts, respecting the Lord's holy cove- 
nant and my walking humbly therein, and also endeavor 
to keep it carefully without blot or blemish, both within 
in his sight, and without toward mankind ; in a daily ex- 
ercise, ' to have always a conscience void of offence, towards 
God and towards men.' May I watch and strive against 
corrupt self, and keep a diary or daily account thereof, 
morning and evening, remembering, that to live after the 
flesh is to die, but through the Spirit to mortify the deeds 
of the body is to live. Oh, that in me all self were slain, 
that Christ might live and ever reign in my soul, who 
visited, invited, attracted it, about the twenty-second year 
of my age; and has, through his grace, preserved me 
through many revolutions, and often opened a way for me 
to steer along, when no way, or next to' none, appeared, 
till now I am come to the sixty-fifth year of my life." 

"17th. After I awoke this morning, this text sprang 
in my mind : ' Christ gave himself for us, that He might 
redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a 
peculiar people, zealous of good works ;' with a strong de- 
sire that whatever it cost me, whatever labor, self-denial, 
or seeming hardship, I may obtain the great end, for which 
I have a being ; the ' one thing needful,' which Mary made 
her choice, and thereby pleased her Lord, viz : that of be- 
ing more thoroughly redeemed from every corruption of 
nature, or neglect of duty to God. May I be more puri- 
fied in heart and life ; more inflamed with a holy zeal for 
his honor, laying aside every weight and burden, and the 
sin which doth so easily beset, and run with patience the 



1777.] JAMES GO UGH. Ill 

race that is set before me, ' looking unto Jesus, the author 
and finisher of our faith, who, for the joy that was set be- 
fore Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is 
set down at the right hand of the throne of God.' I am 
likely soon to set forward as a poor pilgrim, to the coldest 
and remotest parts of the north of this nation, which are 
rarely visited by any Friends in the ministry, they meet 
with so much discouragement that way ; but I must go 
and labor amongst them, according to the ability given, 
for the working out my salvation, with fear and trembling. 
" 18th. To-day we had a silent, but to me and some 
others, I hope an edifying meeting, under the Divine and 
spiritual ministry of the great Minister of life and salva- 
tion, who therein set before me two services, the one to 
procure some subscriptions for the relief of a poor family, 
which after meeting I set about and succeeded in. The 
other was my journey to the north, with a lively and fresh 
encouragement thereto, under the consideration of the un- 
certainty of our time here, and that if my duty to God re- 
quired me to be doing one thing in one place, and death 
should arrest me doing something else in another place, 
how miserable would my state be. The covenant of my 
youth was now brought to my remembrance, with a lively 
and affecting impression, in the language adopted by the 
prophet Jeremiah, speaking in the name of the Lord : ' I 
remember thee, the kindness of thy youth ; the love of 
thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilder- 
ness, in a land that was not sown. Israel was holiness to 
the Lord, and the first fruits of his increase.' When I 
first gave up to the heavenly visitation, how was my heart 
melted into h©ly admiration of the love of God, and of his 
condescension to my low estate ; pure goodness was then 
all my desire and delight. 



112 MEMOIR OF [1777. 

" In the intervals of labor I loved to retire from the 
world, to Him my best friend, who was with me in my 
labor, instructing and helping me in it, and making hard 
things easy, so that ' I walked by faith, and not by sight/ 
my mind being in heaven, often overflowing with the effu- 
sion of his grace and goodness. Under this enlivening 
recollection, an ardent desire was rekindled in my heart, 
to renew my covenant, to return to my first love ; and do 
my first works, in an unreserved resignation, to do the will 
of God. My heart was influenced with a wish, that our 
young people in general, might be induced to love religi- 
ous retirement, in order to become acquainted with the 
Wonderful Counsellor, w r ho is more readily met w T ith 
therein than in the crowds, commotions and tumults of 
the world; and in their own experience prove, that 'It is 
good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth, he sit- 
teth alone and keepeth silence — he putteth his mouth in 
the dust, if so be there may be hope.' May our conversa- 
tion be in heaven, and our language and whole demeanor 
make it manifest that we have been with Jesus. 

" Eighth Month 4th. I returned from visiting the fami- 
lies of Timahoe Meeting, in company with Joseph Wil- 
liams, wherein a Divine visitation seemed to be renewedly 
extended to them ; it is much to be desired that they may 
duly embrace it, to come up in their duty, and to perse- 
vere in well doing, to the end of their days. 

" Such visits among our friends, under Divine influence, 
are of service, and worthy of being often performed, as 
tending to renew the bonds of friendship, in the truth ; to 
provoke to love and good works, and as they are engaged 
steadily to wait upon the Lord, frequently prove seasoDS 
of renewing of strength to the visitors as well as visited.' 3 



1777.] JAMES GOUGH. 113 

Two days after, viz : the Sixth of Eighth Month, he set 
forward on his visit to Friends of Ulster province, taking 
his way by the Quarterly Meeting for Leinster province, 
held at Moate ; and after the conclusion thereof, proceeded 
to Oldcastle, Coothill and Castleshane, in each of w T hich 
three meetings he did not only labor amongst his friends 
in their public assemblies, but also visited them in their 
several families. From Castleshane he crossed over to 
Lurgan, and was on First-day at the meeting there, it be- 
ing their men's and women's meeting. At that meeting I 
met him, and it w T as to some an edifying season. From 
Lurgan he went to Rathfriland, and visited the families 
belonging to that meeting. From thence he came to Lis- 
burn, and had a 'meeting there, and next day at Hillsbo- 
rough. The three succeeding days were the Quarterly 
Meeting at Ballinderry, which he attended, and had ac- 
ceptable service therein. The following week he took the 
meetings of Moyallen, Lurgan, Ballihagan, and Charle- 
mount, in succession, visited some families, and w r as again 
at the meeting near Charlemount on First-day following, 
which he observes, was large, like a province meeting. 

He continued his course from thence, to Antrim Quar- 
ter; and as the visiting of this Quarter w^as in a particular 
manner impressed as a duty upon his mind, he visited the 
meetings thereof thoroughly, and all or most of the fami- 
lies of Friends thereaway. On the First-day he was at 
Grange, of which he wrote to a friend : "We had a kind 
of general meeting at Grange yesterday, there being at it 
Friends from Toberhead, Ballinacree, Clough, Ballymena, 
and Antrim, and I think it was a time of renewed visita- 
tion of Divine favor to some. That w 7 e may dedicate the 
residue of our days to the service of the Lord and his peo- 
ple, is my sincere desire for us both, and many more." 
10* 



114 MEMOIR OF [1777. 

He spent about a week among Friends in this Quarter. 
But, as I recollect, his visit both to said Quarter in par- 
ticular, and the province in general, was in some degree 
cut short, by the arrival of our friends, Thomas Corbyn, 
John Townsend, and Joseph Eoe, from London, John 
Storer, from Nottingham, and James Backhouse, from the 
county of Durham, who came over in consequence of an 
appointment of the Yearly Meeting of London, to visit 
the meetings of discipline in this nation. Which visit 
they entered upon at the men's and women's meeting, for 
that purpose, appointed at Lisburn the 10th day of Ninth 
Month, this year, while my brother w r as engaged in the 
neighboring part of Antrim Quarter. This induced him 
to come over to that meeting, and the said Friends being 
very desirous that he should be in Dublin at the time of 
their arrival there, in the course of their visit, he felt easy 
to accompany them to Antrim, and from thence to Lur- 
gan ; from whence they proceeded to Charlemount, to be 
at the men's and women's meeting there on First-day, and 
Ballihagan on Second-day. My brother staying First-day 
morning meeting at Lurgan, had also an evening meeting 
at Lisburn, appointed at the fifth hour, and next day at 
Newtown. Fourth-day following, was with the English 
Friend's at the men's and women's meeting at Lurgan, and 
next day came with them to that of Lisburn, held at Bal- 
linderry. The province meeting at Lurgan succeeded by 
appointment, on Sixth, Seventh and First-days, over which 
he staid, and after that, and having a meeting at Rathfri- 
land, in the market house, one more at Lurgan, and another 
at Moy alien, he returned to Dublin. 

When he arrived at Dublin, he found Thomas Dobson, 
from near Carlisle; who had come over under a particular 
concern for that service, engaged in a visit to Friends' 



1777.] JAMES GO UGH. 115 

families in that city ; upon his arrival, he joined him in 
the service, and accompanied him to ninety families, he 
having visited forty-six before my brother's return. 

And in about three months after, Matthew Johnson, 
from Cornwood, in Northumberland, coming to the afore- 
said city, under the like concern, after discharging him- 
self in the same service to the meetings of Lisburn and 
Ballinderry, my brother accompanied him also in his visit 
to the families of Friends there. Thus he was diligently 
engaged most part of his latter days, in almost a continued 
series of laborious service in the church, either at home or 
abroad. 

When we reflect upon the repeated visits of this kind, 
which divers other Friends from distant parts, as well as 
those above mentioned, from the fresh and lively impres- 
sions of duty, have been engaged in, to Friends in the dif- 
ferent quarters of this nation ; leaving, or submitting to 
be detained from every near connection in life, to labor 
amongst us in the work of the gospel, not only in public, 
but from house to house ; and often in the clear opening 
of our states, under the influence of truth, even as from 
man to man, it should affect every considerate mind with 
humbling sensations of thankfulness to our beneficent 
Creator, for his unbounded loving-kindness and mercy to 
us as a people, under the view, that although many of the 
professors of truth, one going to his farm, and another to 
his merchandise, have slighted repeated calls, and excused 
themselves from the necessary preparation for admittance 
to the marriage supper, He hath not yet given charge to 
his servants, to go to the lanes and highways, to call in 
others; but is still causing us to be striven with, in close 
and searching labor. May the serious consideration hereof 
so impress our minds, as to produce holy resolution to turn 



116 . MEMOIR OF [1778. 

to Him that smiteth us, and in reality, to seek the Lord of 
Hosts: remembering the day of our visitation hath its 
assigned period, in the determination of his unsearchable 
wisdom, who hath declared. "My spirit shall not always 
strive with man, for that he also is flesh." 



CHAPTER X. 

VISIT TO MUNSTER PROVINCE. RELIGIOUS ENGAGEMENTS AT AND 
NEAR HOME. VISITS THE MONTHLY MEETINGS OF MOUNTMEL- 
ICK AND EDENDERRY. VISITS PARTS OF LEINSTER AND MUN- 
STER PROVINCES. VISITS THE FAMILIES OF FRIENDS IN LIMER- 
ICK AND CORK. ILLNESS AND DEATH. REMARKS ON HIS LIFE 
AND RELIGIOUS LABORS. 

On the 3rd day of Ninth Month, 1778, he set forward 
on a journey, to visit his friends in the province of Mun- 
ster, making his way pretty directly through the county 
of Carlow to Clonmel, where he commenced his visit to 
said province, being there on a First-day, at their two 
meetings. On Second-day he writes, " Not suiting for any 
public meeting hereaway, being the time of their assizes, 
we were at nineteen Friends' houses, and had good oppor- 
tunities in several of them." So proceeding, he had meet- 
ings in course, at the following places, viz : Cashel, Gar- 
ry roan, Limerick ; Cork on First-day, the two public meet- 
ings, and a third with divers friends in the evening, at 
Joseph Garratt's ; on Second-day he went to Bandon, ac- 
companied by several Friends, and back to Cork; was at 
their meeting on Third-day, and after it at the men's meet- 
ing ; on Fourth-day to Youghal, to a meeting appointed 
at five o'clock that evening, staid their week-day meeting 



1780.] JAMES GOUGH. 117 

next day, and after it returned to Cork, to the Quarterly 
Meeting. From thence, by Garry roan and Clonmel to 
Waterford, where his visit terminated. He fell in with 
the meetings of Forest, county of Wexford, Carlow and 
Rathangan, in his way from Waterford to the Quarterly 
Meeting for Leinster province, held at Edenderry, the 4th 
of Tenth Month, and from thence returned home. 

He continued at and about home for near eleven 
months, for just at the same time of the succeeding year, 
viz: the 2nd of Ninth Month, 1779, he left home to go to 
the Quarterly Meeting at Edenderry, and thence by Moate 
and Ballimurry, he made his way into Ulster province 
again; being at Oldcastle on First-day, the 10th of Ninth 
Month. From thence to a meeting at Coothill, which was 
a large, crowded meeting, several of the town's people, I 
suppose, coming in. From Coothill, he came to Castle- 
shane, thence to Moyallen, and attended the week-day 
meeting at Lurgan, which he says was a large and good 
meeting. The Quarterly Meeting at Lisburn succeeding, 
he attended it, and after that, was at meetings at Rathfri- 
land, Moyallen, Ballihagan, and near Charlemount suc- 
cessively. At this last meeting he joined in the visit to 
the families of Friends, and in company with some Friends 
of that meeting, performed the said visit thoroughly, spend- 
ing therein near two weeks, although closely engaged 
day by day. After this service, he visited the meetings of 
Antrim Quarter, and the rest of the meetings of the pro- 
vince in course, finishing his service at the province meet- 
ing at Lurgan, the 29th and 30th of the Tenth Month. 

The next service I find him engaged in, was a visit to 
the Monthly Meetings of Mountmelick and Edenderry ; 
in his letter to me, dated First Month, 1780, he writes, 
"In the very cold weather which we have had, I visited 



118 MEMOIR OF [1780. 

all the Particular Meetings of Mountmelick, and Eden- 
deriy Monthly Meetings, and though I could not but la- 
ment the state of many careless professors, yet I had good 
satisfaction in discharging my duty therein." 

In the summer of the same year, he made another ex- 
cursion through some parts of Leinster province, and as 
far as Waterford. And about the same season as the two 
past years, viz : on or about the 22nd of Eighth Month, 
1780, he set out again on a visit to Friends in the pro- 
vince of Munster. In his first day's journey his guide 
dropped his saddle-bags, whereby being deprived of neces- 
sary change of linen, &c, for the journey before him, I 
was told, it put him to a stand whether to proceed or re- 
turn home; and also upon seriously considering the 
grounds he set out on, and the validity of his commission ; 
and upon consulting the oracle in his own breast, it was 
intimated to him, that he must go forward, if his life went 
for it. The first meeting he had, was at Mountmelick, 
from whence he wrote : " We had a good meeting here to- 
day, which seemed as a fresh seal to my commission, and 
makes me strongly desire I may be preserved, to attend 
singly to my duty, and faithfully discharge it." From 
Mountmelick, he went by Koscrea, Birr, and Kilconner- 
more, to Limerick, to the province Meeting for Munster, 
which, by the account he gave, was said to be the largest 
that was remembered in that place, many Friends from 
Leinster attending it; and further, " The kind Father and 
Author of all our mercies, favors my mind with the sweet 
sense of his Divine love, and a desire to follow and serve 
Him, who is a rich rewarder of all his faithful servants. " 
Here, being requested by Friends to forward the family 
visit, he consented, following therein the pointings of duty. 
On the Fourth-day after the province meeting, in con- 



1780.] JAMES GO UGH. 119 

junction with divers Friends of that province, he entered 
upon this exercising service : his succeeding labors in this 
and the following service, may be best understood from 
extracts from his own letters, written to his wife, during 
his being engaged therein. 

" Limerick, 1st of Ninth Month, 1780. 
" On Fourth-day we began the family visit here, and 
that day we had six solemn opportunities ; visiting so many 
families, and yesterday we followed the business closely ; 
having eight solemn meetings, some of which held long, 
so that it was near ten at night when the last of them 
broke up. We hope that two days more will be sufficient 
to finish the family visit here, so after First-day, expect 
to be thoroughly clear of this part of Minister, and on 
Second-day to proceed with the Friends who stay witli 
me here, to Cork. To look at the labor in a service of 
this kind, through such a very large, increasing, extensive 
meeting as that of Cork, would appear very weighty, and 
almost terrifying, were it not for the earnest, w T hich the 
great and good Master hath already given us ; who hath 
led us along, in the sweet enjoyment of his owm pure love, 
and therein hath united our spirits, and hath opened a 
door of utterance, reaching the witness, and tendering the 
hearts of many." 

"Cork, 13th of Ninth Month. 
" It is now somewhat hard for me to get a little time to 
write, we are so closely employed from early in the morn- 
ing till late in the evening. We were on the service yes- 
terday and to-day at a little past seven in the morning. 
We had nine family meetings on Second-day ; yesterday, 
one before meeting, five after; and to-day hath been a 
day of almost incessant labor, having had nine family 



120 MEMOIR OF [1780. 

meetings, and some of them pretty long, and some also 
much favored with the sweet flow of the heavenly Father's 
love, tendering the hearts of divers. Under this divine 
favor, I have had a strong desire on the behalf of our 
children, that the great Author of pure goodness would 
incline their hearts more and more to their principal in- 
terest, and clothe their minds with the heavenly sense of 
his love, and with the humility becoming depending crea- 
tures, and enamor them with the beauty of truth, which 
will never wax old ; that through its power, they might 
freely sacrifice to Him what he calls for ; and not look 
after the temptations and vanities of the w r orld ; but have 
the eye single to things infinitely more important, that 
therein they may be blessed of the Lord, w T ith his favor, 
which is better than all things else." 

"Ninth Month 16th, 1780. 
" This hath been a day of favor to me and my Friends 
employed in the family visit ; a tender visitation from the 
Father of mercies hath been extended to divers families : 
particularly one young man, and his wife who was not 
educated in our Society, but this day was reduced to ten- 
derness, both she and her husband. I wish they may 
retain it, and come in at the right door to be useful and 
exemplary. We have followed the work with great dili- 
gence, from early in the morning till late in the evening, 
having in the course of this week visited above fifty fam- 
ilies, and two hundred and twenty persons." 

In his next letter, and the last he wrote, he gives an 
account of a disorder, viz: the dysentery, with which 
many had been seized, and that it had followed him very 
closely for several days. It seems that partly from re- 



1780.] JAMES GO UGH. 121 

serve, but chiefly from a desire to accomplish the remain- 
ing part of the service before him, so as to get through it 
in time to return home against the ensuing half-year's 
meeting, he suffered this disorder to gather strength be- 
fore he let it be known, to a degree of obstinacy beyond 
the power of medicine to remove ; for although no care 
of attendance, or suitable applications under the direction 
of skilful physicians were wanting, yet these proving 
ineffectual, he departed out of this transitory state of ex- 
istence in much tranquillity of mind, at the house of his 
kind friend, Joseph Garratt, in Cork, on the 6th day of the 
Tenth Month, 1780, and was buried in Friends' burying- 
ground, in the suburbs of that city, the 9th of the same 
month, his funeral being largely attended by Friends and 
many others, as I am informed by some Friends from 
thence, one of whom writes : " We had a solemn oppor- 
tunity, the wing of ancient Goodness being over the assem- 
bly, in the performance of the last office due to the wor- 
thy deceased." 

Thus it pleased the divine Being, in whose hands our 
lives are, to release him from further labor in the church 
militant, and remove him from works to rewards, leaving 
among his surviving friends a good savor : his removal 
being generally regretted and his memory greatly and 
extensively respected by most or all that knew him ; being 
a man of meekness, humility and universal benevolence ; 
kindly disposed and affectionate to his friends and man- 
kind in general, he in return possessed their affectionate 
regard and esteem in a general way. 

In his spirit, he was preserved bright and living, through 

his concluding labors, and to the last period of his life, 

by the accounts I received from some of those who were 

sharers and witnesses thereof. My respected friend, 

11 



122 MEMOIR OF [1780. 

Samuel Neale, in sympathy with our sorrow for the loss 
of a near and justly beloved relation, obliged me with an 
affecting epistle of condolence, in which he expresseth : 
" It is needless to say he is a great loss ; in a Society ca- 
pacity he was fervent and devoted ; his lamp was replen- 
ished with oil and it shined as bright as ever in my judg- 
ment; he finished his course as a faithful soldier — he 
finished it, making war in righteousness. I was with him 
at Limerick, at our province meeting, and accompanied 
him to the families there pretty generally ; he was like 
an overflowing spring, and freely diffused what he was 
made partaker of amongst his friends and brethren, and 
all who came in his way. After which he came to our 
city, and the same strength, zeal and authority attended 
him here in the public meeting and more select oppor- 
tunities I was at with him. He was at the labor early 
and late, until forced to submit to the increasing infirmity 
of body. I think he had finished all to five families, 
when the great Orderer of all things gave him a release 
from further labor in his militant church. He was calm 
and composed in his mind, said he was resigned to the 
divine will, and was prepared for the event, relying on the 
mercy of God. He was certainly much favored by a 
divine qualification, and as the evening approached his 
sun went down bright, which is the crown of all." 

And although he had his close trials and discouraging 
prospects in various seasons of his life, as we may gather 
from the preceding pages, yet being through all, enabled 
to stay his mind on the Lord, he was preserved in peaceful 
resignation, and safely brought through them ; and was 
favored to enjoy the evening of his day, as to secular en- 
gagements, in serenity and calm repose, in a state of 
liberty to devote himself more fully to the service of Truth, 



1780.] JAMES GO V G II. 123 

and to fulfil his ministry to the edification of the churches 
in this nation. He lived to see his children well settled 
in marriage, to his full satisfaction, or in a way to support 
themselves reputably, if favored with the Divine blessing 
upon their labors, and preserved in the fear of the Lord, 
which he desired for them more than outward riches. 
Incited through the gracious visitation of divine goodness 
to him in his youth, in the first place, to seek the kingdom 
of God and his righteousness, he found the promise veri- 
fied, that sufficiency of other things were added. And 
having been spared to his family till his immediate assist- 
ance became less necessary for their support, and to the 
church till his day's w T ork was, in a good degree, well 
accomplished ; he came to his grave in full age, as a shock 
of corn cometh in his season, experiencing the work of 
righteousness to be peace, and the effect of righteousness, 
quietness and assurance forever. From hence those who 
may be tried with the like probations, as this is a world 
of vicissitude, may receive encouragement in the cloudy 
season, in faith and patience, to cast their care on that 
divine Being who careth for his own, and will bring them 
safely through all difficulties and discouragements, pro- 
vided their hearts are sincere toward Him ; and all things 
will work together for good to those that love God. 

The end of these publications is not to extol the man, 
but to recommend righteousness to mankind, by pointing 
out the beneficial and* happy effects thereof, in real life ; 
and, as the desire of happiness, planted deep in our na- 
ture, is a universal affection of the human mind, although 
often sought in things that cannot give it, or at best but 
the shadowy and deceptive appearance thereof, to incite 
them, in imitation of the just, to seek it where only it is 
to be found, in pure religion and virtue, walking in all 



124 MEMOIR OF [1780. 

the commandments of the Lord blameless. If we have 
regarded the deceased with affectionate esteem, and hon- 
ored them for their works' sake, let our regard for their 
memory prompt us to the imitation of their good exam- 
ples. If Ave regret their loss, and the vacancy of their 
places, let us consider that a measure of the same divine 
Spirit which wrought powerfully in them for their redemp- 
tion, and enlivened them to every good word and work, 
is also given to us individually, for the effecting of the 
same happy experience in us, whereby, through faithful 
obedience on our parts, we may receive a qualification to 
fill up some of the vacant seats, be serviceable in our 
respective allotments, exemplary in our lives, and blessed 
in our end 



CHAPTER XL 

EPISTLE OF JAMES GOUGH TO FRIENDS IN IRELAND. 

Dearly beloved Friends: — 

Under a concern for the welfare of our religious So- 
ciety, yet left in Ireland, I think it my duty " to stir up 
the pure mind by way of remembrance." 

1. In the first place, I desire that none under our 
name may be raw and ignorant, at a loss, if asked what 
Ave profess, or what is our fundamental principle; but 
having the heartfelt experience thereof, " be ready al- 
ways," as a good apostle advises, " to give an answer," or 
a " reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and 
fear." 

We profess to be a people called out of the corrupt 
spirit and customs of the world, out of all evil words and 



JAMES GO UGH. 125 

works, to follow Christ in a close and inward adherence 
to the secret discoveries which He gives ns of our duty ; 
that, as his faithful servants, we may enjoy his favor, both 
while here and eternally hereafter. 

And our fundamental principle is this, that as God has 
created us to be forever happy, He hath bestowed his light, 
grace, or holy Spirit, to fit and prepare us for it. Hereby 
He teacheth us what to deny, and how T to live, to attain 
this great and glorious end. 

If we adhere to this divine gift, we shall love Him above 
all things, and other gifts and blessings, as we ought to do. 
Parents will love their children in the Lord; children 
will be an honor to their parents, by a well-guarded and 
dutiful conduct. The young and the aged will be joined 
as brethren, in one good concern. 

Thus would a holy harmony be seen and felt, as former- 
ly ; and we, in that peace, order and union, reverencing 
the Lord our God, should enjoy the sweet influences of his 
presence, and the joy of his salvation. 

Why are we members of a separate society but to be 
more closely connected with the divine source of all purity 
and goodness, walking in the light of the Lord, that it 
might shine in our lives, as way-marks to neighbors and 
sober inquirers, that they, being won by our good conver- 
sation, may have cause to bless God on our behalf? Thus 
were many convinced of our principles, and drawn into 
our Society, even at the hazard or loss of all that was dear 
to them in the world. 

2. I think it necessary to enter upon some points more 
particularly, and to add such exhortations thereupon, as 
my present concern may engage me to impart. 

" Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, for the 
Lord's sake :" actively, when not contrary to the law of 
11 



I 26 M E M I R OF 

God : passively, when it is opposite thereto. This is con- 
formable to the example of Christ and his apostles, as 
well as of good men, in former ages, and of all the worthy 
martyrs in later days. 

The Jews complained of Christ for transgressing or 
breaking their laws ; at last, when Pontius Pilate said repeat- 
edly, " I find no fault in Him," they answered, " We have a 
law, and by our law He ought to die." 

From our fundamental principle, before mentioned, pro- 
ceeded our well known principles, or testimony for Christ 
our Lord, in its various branches, which it is our incum- 
bent duty to bear, and to show forth to the world ; as in 
the following instances. 

3. Our blessed Lord commands us, " not to swear at 
all." It is our duty firmly to obey his command, when- 
ever we are tried herein, and rather to suffer patiently 
what human laws may inflict, than to take an oath on any 
account whatsoever. Thus Daniel and the three worthy 
Hebrews, chose rather to sacrifice their bodies to the lions' 
den, and to the fiery furnace, than to comply with the law 
of man, when it demanded a revolt from their duty to their 
supreme Sovereign. 

4. The law of man sometimes requires wars and fight- 
ings, and actively to contribute thereto , but Christ com- 
mands us to love our enemies, and do to all men nothing 
but what is good. As his professed subjects, we cannot 
therefore, actively contribute to military affairs. Our Lord 
said to Pilate. " If my kingdom were of this world, then 
would my servants fight." Again, whatever injuries or 
ill usage we receive, we must follow his pattern, not rend- 
ering reviling for reviling, leaving vengeance to the Lord 
to whom it belongs. None amongst us must either fight, 
or do any violent action, tending to provoke thereto. We 



JAMES GO UGH. 1:27 

must trust in the Lord, and then He will discover the best 
means of helping and healing the evil in others, or animate 
us innocently to bear our testimony against it, where hearts 
are too hard to admit any offered help. In this case our 
Lord assures us, that great is our reward in heaven ; for 
such usage the righteous who were before us have met 
with. 

5. Our dear Lord commands his own ministers freely 
to give, as from Him they freely receive ; and He changeth 
not : a hireling, man-made ministry therefore, is none of 
his ; nor can we join in supporting it as such. Though 
the law of man hath established it, we ought to do as the 
apostles did ; " And to obey God rather than man." The 
gospel of Christ is free, not subject to worldly traffic. It 
can neither be bought nor sold. It is the power of God 
to salvation. It brings the soul, which receives and sub- 
mits to it, into union with the Father of lights, by leav- 
ening it into his divine nature. That which selfish priests 
purchase and demand money for, is therefore not the 
gospel ; and their pretending it to be so, is an artful im- 
position. 

This, with many other things of like kind, our ancestors 
discovered in the true light, and therefore, like holy Dan- 
iel and his brethren, passively submitted to the laws which 
required the support of this imposition, and to the rigorous 
execution of those laws. By their courage and constancy 
herein, they made the way smooth and easy to us, our suf- 
ferings being light in comparison of theirs. It was noth- 
ing but the love of God that animated them cheerfully to 
suffer great spoiling of goods, with long and hard impris- 
onments ; separated from all that was near and dear to 
them in the world. It was in support of their testimony 
to the universality of God's love to mankind, who invites 



128 M E.MOIR OF 

them that are athirst, and them that have no money, to 
come and buy wine and milk without money and without 
price. 

May their descendants and successors, from generation 
to generation, come up after them in the same noble cause. 
So would they minister joy to such as have no other in- 
terest in view, but the spiritual health and vigor of the 
body, and of every member therein. Some, indeed, of late 
years, have degenerated from that fidelity to God, which 
those worthies ever firmly manifested. These throw down 
what their forefathers labored to build up, and dissolve that 
spiritual bond, which should unite us in faith and love. 
I earnestly desire they would draw near inspirit to Christ, 
and to his militant church, to be a help to faithful Friends. 
When any of you are tried with future demands on such 
accounts, I cannot but wish for you, as I look back to 
the worthies gone, that like them ye may stand fast, in the 
freedom of the gospel, without flinching, or any way evad- 
ing our testimony for it. I fully believe that your fidelity 
in such trials, would be the means of giving you new life 
and strength for the zealous and upright discharge of other 
Christian duties, and of making you both useful and hon- 
orable members, not only of civil, but also of religious 
society. 

As to that formal worship, which is begun and carried 
on in the will of man, our faithful predecessors could have 
no unity with it, nor actively contribute to the support 
of the places or materials appropriated to such worship. 

6. On the other hand, they most conscientiously paid 
an active obedience to the laws which enjoin the payment 
of customs, duties and excise, to the king and govern- 
ment ; and were zealous both by example and precept, to 
induce all to be careful and punctual therein, and not on 



JAMES GO UGH. 129 

any account to deal in goods suspected to be clandestinely 
imported, nor even to buy any of them for their own pri- 
vate consumption. So should we still keep ourselves en- 
tirely clear from this and every other sort of unrighteous 
gains or savings. 

7. The law of the land sets apart one day in seven, 
for religious retirement, and the worship of God. This our 
forefathers approved of, and religiously observed ; though 
at the same time, they testified that the Jewish sabbath 
is ended, by the coming of Christ ; and that there is no 
inherent holiness in any one day more than another. 
I have long had an earnest desire that all our friends 
would duly observe and apply that day to its proper pur- 
pose, to begin each week aright, and so to hold on to the 
end of it ; to avoid as much as possible, travelling about 
worldly affairs on that day ; and be constant, while in health, 
in attending meetings for worship. Deny yourselves the 
liberty of w T alking abroad, at such time, or in such man- 
ner as will not be of good example to the idle multitude, 
who give a loose rein to licentious inclinations, on that 
day. Rather choose to have your families collected for 
reading the holy Scriptures, or what may make good im- 
pressions on their minds, that when it shall be said, " Give 
an account of thy stewardship, for thou may est be no long- 
er steward," we then may be ready to give our accounts 
with joy, and receive the answer of, " Well done, good and 
faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 

8. For want of this care what harms abound ! I am loath 
to mention them, but hope you will bear with me when 
you duly consider that nothing but well wishing love 
induces me to lay them before you, in order that all might 
join in contributing a timely remedy thereto, with the 
means of dome: it, which the Lord furnishes us with. 



130 MEMOIR OF [1780. 

It is apparent, that from hence the love of God in many 
waxeth cold. How they make light of religious duties ! 
What a slender attendance of week-day meetings for the 
worship of God, as well as of those which are held for a 
united care of the good of the body ; so that it may now 
be said of many, as in sorrowful days formerly, " The 
ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn 
feasts." Again, what restlessness in meetings, w T hat out- 
ward indications of spiritual indolence, of absent and 
wandering minds, of neglect of the awful duty of worship, 
due from us to our great Creator ; what gazing about or 
falling asleep ! O, it is grevious, and tends to give strangers 
a dishonorable idea concerning us, while we profess the 
pure spiritual worship of God, according to his own insti- 
tution ; and while our dear Saviour hath assured us, that 
where two or three are gathered together in his name He 
is in the midst of them. Again, from hence, what viola- 
tions of our Christian testimony in its sundry branches ; 
what weakness and inconsistency in conduct with that 
divine principle, which we profess ! How do many tram- 
ple upon the precious labors and sufferings of men, whose 
memories are and ever will be blessed, as they were valiant 
for the truth, revealed to them by Christ their dearest 
Lord ! And shall we not be brought to account for these 
things ! Will not our account be heavier in the reckoning 
day, than that of others, who have not been favored in so 
high a degree, nor so much striven with, by the spirit of 
the Lord, who declared to the old world, before its final 
ruin, " My spirit shall not always strive with man." 

9. Again, how many in these perilous days run back 
and draw others with them, into the vanities of the times, 
into a conformity with the world, both in dress and ad- 
dress, into the company of such as indulge in the same 



JAMES (IOUGH, 131 

dispositions, till the plain, honest manners of sincere and 
affectionate friends, are falling into disuse, being such as 
some are ashamed of. Thus were many ashamed of Christ, 
and offended in Him, for his plain and humble appearance, 
when in the body : but He declared that He also would 
be ashamed of them, or would deny them, before his Fa- 
ther and his holy angels. 

From these pernicious liberties, have proceeded mixed 
marriages, running out to the priests, confusion in families, 
affliction and anguish of parents, in the bad returns made 
to them by disobedient children, painful wounds to our 
Christian Society. Many, by these traps and snares of 
the common enemy, have been carried away into the 
wide world ; and quite lost as to the dedication of their 
hearts and lives to the love and fear of God ; and but 
few have stood in the gap, to prevent their thus running 
out ; few have joined in repairing the breaches, made by 
backsliders, in that wall of defence which the Lord, by 
his power and Spirit, had erected about us. 

In this general decline of the Society, there seems to be 
great cause to fear the further spreading of these harms, 
unless the Lord in mercy, turn the hearts of many timely 
to himself, which we ardently pray for, knowing that, ex- 
cept the Lord build the house, men labor but in vain ; yet 
we must do our duty ; otherwise we shall not be clear in 
his sight ; and He ordereth now, as He did formerly, line 
upon line, and precept upon precept, in order that all may 
be timely warned, whether they will hear or forbear. 

I believe there are none joined in profession with us, 
who deviate from our principle of self-denial, and plain- 
ness in habit and speech, w T ho have not been secretly 
showed that it is wrong, that it is a compliance with the 
spirit of the world, a refusal of the cross of Christ, a de- 



132 MEMOIR OF [1780. 

nial of Him before men. But they listen to that voice 
which beguiled Eve, which tells them that there is no 
harm in such deviations, or that they are small matters ; 
though it is manifest that such small matters have opened 
the door gradually wider and wider, to the gross declen- 
sion which has overspread. Though many are deceived 
and darkened by the enemy, to deem them small matters, 
yet they have great consequences, as they tend to debar 
us of future happiness, and to centre us in justly deserved 
punishments, for disobeying and disregarding Christ, who 
leads into humility and plainness, and preferring that 
enemy who seduces into pride and worldly conformity. 

I often look with pity on the victims to the vanities of 
the world, who sell their birthright for a mess of pottage ; 
often desiring that they may quit the pursuit of shadows; 
wisely to seek, and happily possess the most inestimable 
and enduring substance. Hereby they would give solid 
joy to their well-wishing friends, and gain an ample share 
thereof in themselves; a joy not like the pleasures of sin, 
which are but for a season, and are followed with a cer- 
tain and severe sting ; a joy which will go beyond the 
grave, to receive an infinite increase, and an endless du- 
ration. 

10. In regard to such as have not yet much departed 
from that plainness; at least in dress, in which they were 
educated ; some probably may not be under any strong 
temptation, to run into the foolish fashions of a corrupt 
age. Yet the enemy seeks to catch them in some other 
snares ; and perhaps some of these may be as ignorant, and 
as void of experience of the Divine principle we profess, 
as some of the more fashionable. Outward plainness, 
without inward humility, mercy, justice and charity, is of 
very little worth. Except Ave follow after these virtues, 



james a 6iJ-.au. 133 

obvious faults in temper and conduct will appear, to dis- 
cover our emptiness, and to serve some for an argument 
against plainness, or for a subject of ridicule ; and do 
more harm to the cause of truth, than greater errors in 
the conduct of open and professed libertines. 

How grievously disappointing are they who carry a 
right appearance, yet when tried are found to be insipid 
and dead, as to the life of righteousness, Wherefore, let 
none value themselves on a plain outside, as if that of it- 
self were sufficient. It is as far from it as the state of 
those formerly complained of, who drew nigh to the Lord 
with their mouths, and with their lips honored Him, but 
their hearts were far from Him. 

Be not deceived ; God is not mocked by fair appearances 
or empty pretences ; but such as every man sows, he must 
reap. If, under the best appearance, or strictest form, we 
sow to the flesh, we shall only reap corruption, and the 
miserable fruits of hypocrisy, professing one thing and 
practising another ; when they who have sowed to the 
Spirit, shall reap the happy fruits of their fidelity to God. 

If we look over our Society in this nation, and take a 
view T , both of those who are plain in dress, and those who 
are otherwise, how many of both sorts have their minds 
fast rooted in this present world, devoting all their talents 
to it, rejecting the counsel of Christ, who directs us "to 
seek first the kingdom of God," or to live and act under 
his government. Hence in some places, what poor, lifeless 
meetings ! How little of the sacred fire of Divine love 
burning ! How little of the light of the glory of God 
shining! No living minister left amongst them, and 
scarce one living member of the body of Christ, to feel for 
the others, and take some tender care of them for their 
good ; their lamps gone out, and scarcely any oil retained 
12 



134 MEMOIR OF 

in a single vessel ; a week-day meeting hardly kept up, 
and the one meeting on the First-day badly attended. 
Thus have some meetings died away, and are lost ; and 
others appear to be in a languid, sickly condition, seem- 
ing scarce likely to live long, except they timely apply to 
the great and good Physician, who is both able and wil- 
ling to restore life, health, soundness and vigor, to raise 
up and qualify "Judges, as at the first, and counsellors, as 
at the beginning." But formerly, when in the body, in 
some places He did none of his mighty works, by reason 
of their unbelief; so now, when his ministers visit such 
places, they find the gospel has not a free course ; they 
can at best but feebly labor in such hard spots. The 
word preached doth not profit, by reason of not meeting 
with faith in them that hear. 

Great is the mystery of iniquity, in which the subtle 
serpent works in many, to their hurt or ruin, unawares to 
them, for want of their paying due regard and attention, 
to that grace of God, which would discover the hidden 
snare, and preserve from it. Hence a wrong spirit usurps 
the government due to God, and gradually hardens the 
heart, till the salvation of the immortal soul becomes a 
matter of very little concern — the first and great command- 
ment of loving God with the whole heart, being much vio- 
lated. Such are in a most dangerous state, except they 
turn in haste, "to flee from the wrath that is to come." I 
often earnestly desire, that ye who are of this kind, would 
do it, lest ye be left to your own courses in that broad way 
which leads to destruction, and the things which belong 
to your peace, be hid from your eyes. 

11. "The Lord hath showed unto thee, Oh man, what 
is good." But many have suffered the good impressions 
they have been favored with, to be like the morning dew, 



JAMES GO UGH. 135 

which soon passeth away. They rush into irreligious com- 
pany and self-indulging liberties, which, like the fowls of 
the air, carry off all the good seed of the kingdom, which 
infinite Goodness had sowed in their minds. 

What need have we then, to prize and pursue Christ's 
counsel, " to watch and pray," not to enter into these temp- 
tations ; to abstain from all appearance of evil, to avoid 
such company as deadly poison, as there can be no fellow- 
ship between light and darkness, or between Christ and 
Belial ; and we naturally become like those whom we love, 
and with whom we associate. 

Never go to places of public diversion, such as play- 
houses, horse races, cock fightings, or to ale houses, those 
haunts of the licentious, who fear not God. Be watchful, 
and clear from intemperance. Live as men accountable 
to God, your hearts and your conversation being in heaven, 
and your moderation appearing in all things. 

All would be glad to escape everlasting misery, the 
habitation of rebels to the laws and government of our 
great Creator. All would be glad to be admitted into 
everlasting happiness, the portion of such as obey those 
laws and that government. Why then will any amongst 
us be the enemy's instruments in promoting apostacy from 
the very life of true religion and godliness? Oh, rather 
choose to escape misery and ensure happiness. Break off 
all connections which are obstacles to it. It is Christ's 
command, " If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off." Lay 
aside every weight, and the sin which most easily besets. 
Be obedient to Him, and thou wilt be happy, separated 
from the miserable regions of obstinate and obdurate 
sinners. 

12. Let us call to mind, and not hastily forget it, that 
Christ has given himself for us, to " redeem us from all 



136 MEMOIR OF 

iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zeal- 
ous of good works." Yet, notwithstanding all this, it is 
evident that too many among us are induced, and induce 
one another, to slight the kindest offers of their best friend. 
They give ear to the voice of the stranger, and, swayed by 
his persuasions, put off their embracing a Saviour's offer. 
Far from being zealous of doing all that is well pleasing 
to God, they counteract that profession, to which He, by 
his holy Spirit, hath called us. To propose to obey the 
Almighty at some future day, and in that presumptuous 
hope, to stifle Divine conviction, is a most fatal artifice of 
the grand adversary, whereby he insensibly darkens the 
mind, and hardens the heart, to render us his vassals, and 
to secure us to himself as such. As delays herein are in- 
finitely dangerous — as we cannot repent when we will, for 
repentance is God's gift — begin then, while it is the day 
of God's visitation ; for when the night overtakes, none 
can work out their soul's salvation. 

13. Wherefore, cleave close in heart to the Divine 
gift, the mystery hid from ages, but now revealed, even 
Christ in you, the hope of glory, that your souls may be 
enamored with that beauty which will never fade. Lay 
hold of all the helps and means by Him provided. Be 
kind to all, but familiar with few, and those few such as 
fear the Lord. This fear preserved Joseph in the time of 
trial ; but for want of it Absalom overset all his personal 
advantages. Seek to be closely linked with good friends ; 
for " two are better than one,' 1 " and a three-fold cord is 
not easily broken." Great are the benefits and solid satis- 
faction found in truly religious society. Formerly when 
the proud were counted happy, they who feared the Lord 
spake often one to another, and the Lord declared his ap- 
probation of the pious ardor with which they mutually 



JAMES SOUGH. 187 

animated each other. As on one hand, " the friendship 
of the world is enmity with God ;" so on the other, Israel, 
the Lord's people, were to dwell alone, and not to be 
numbered with the nations. Their safety and true peace 
depending hereupon, they were enjoined not to contract 
any alliance or intimacy with them, to prevent the decay 
of that fervent love to the Lord their God, which He in- 
spired them with, while they abode in his covenant, and 
duly observed his laws, his statutes and ordinances ; and 
to prevent their children from contracting the manners of 
those nations, and running into their fashions and cus- 
toms. While they kept together in an united care and 
veneration of the Lord, they prospered both outwardly 
and inwardly ; nothing could harm them, no effort of the 
common enemy could prevail against them. May we thus 
keep together, strengthening one another in the love of 
God, and in faithfulness to Him, and then we may be 
sure that our case will be the very same. 

14. There are many, we believe, orderly and reputable 
in their lives, who need to be more baptized into the ar- 
dent love of God, and dedication of heart to his cause, 
that they may not be like slothful servants, at ease in 
Zion, and indulging themselves, instead of serving the 
Lord. The harvest is great, and needs more laborers to 
fill up the vacant places of many removed from works to 
rewards. What want of ministers, elders, of such whom 
the Holy Ghost hath made overseers, taking heed to them- 
selves and to the flock, of helpers of one another in ani- 
mating visits, both to families and individuals, in the 
lively flow of that love which the Lord giveth to them 
who devote their hearts to his service. 

A few yet are mercifully preserved, who, for Zion's sake, 
cannot be at ease, but through all discouragements hold 
12* 



138 MEM OIK 0¥ 

on their way, knowing they serve a good Master, and re- 
solving through his grace never to desert his service, but 
to keep their places under his direction, and to hold fast 
the blessed truth in the love of it, to the end of their 
lives. May He grant an increase of their number and 
strength : I desire above all things for myself, that to the 
end of my days, I may be one of their number. O my 
soul, come thou into their secret adoration of God ; with 
their assembly herein, mayest thou ever be united ; for 
indeed the Lord is good to them that seek and diligently 
serve Him, nourishing that life which is hid with Christ, 
a life which will never die ; well rewarding them for all 
their labors, and for the sacrifices which they offer to Him 
on the altar of obedience, giving them an hundred-fold. 

15. When our Lord told his disciples that one of them 
should betray Him, the rest heard it with concern, and 
inquired, "Is it I?" Many have contributed to the great 
declension, and each of us should inquire, Is it I? Many 
have need to be created anew in Christ Jesus, unto good 
works ; but they must first put off the old man, with his 
deeds, in deep humiliation before the Lord; which to 
them who patiently abide under his righteous judgments 
for sin, draw T s down the gift of repentance unto salvation, 
never to be repented of; and that new birth, without 
which we can have no place in his kingdom. We must 
give up all our idols, else we are undone. Our own wills 
must be subjected to the will of God. All our own wisdom 
must be laid at his feet. We must deny ourselves, take 
up our cross daily and follow Him. There are no other 
terms on which life everlasting is to be had. Our Lord 
informs us, that they who expect to gain it by climbing up 
any other way, will be treated as thieves and robbers. 
Oh then, my dear Friends, in every part of Ireland, I 



JAMES GOL'GH, 139 

earnestly desire that you may buy the Truth, whatever it 
cost you, and sell it not. Look upon all things beside but 
as dross or dung in comparison of it. Let us hold fast 
the one thing needful, whatever else leaves us, or be taken 
from us. So shall we have lived not in vain, obtaining 
the great end for which we had a being given us. 

16. O ye parents who have many children, and not 
much of the world for them, do not be over anxious on 
that account, or make it an excuse for non-attendance of 
religious duties. Consider that it may be wisely so ordered, 
as the means of their preservation ; and if they follow 
Christ, it may prove of great advantage to them, beyond 
what ye and they are aware of. A little satisfies a humble 
mind, as we brought nothing into the world, and can carry 
nothing out. They who obtain the favor of God will 
neither want anything needful nor covet anything super- 
fluous, but having food and raiment, will therewith be 
content. Wherefore be anxious for them only on this ac- 
count, that they may lay hold on eternal life, and keep 
their hold of that; then they will be truly happy, but 
not without it, if they had ever so much in the world. They 
are indeed justly to be esteemed who, having more, are 
thereby the more humbled, and more abounding in useful 
services and good works. 

And O ye young people, often consider that ye are born 
into the world to be happy for ever, on the terms laid 
down by Christ, as above mentioned. With all your get- 
tings, get the favor of the Most High, who invites you to 
it, before honor, even true honor with God, is humility ; 
but pride goes before destruction. Ye need not envy any 
one, however great in the world, if ye have the Lord on 
your side. United with your dear parents in walking 
humbly with Him, ye will have an enlarged view of your 



140 MEMOIR OF 

happy portion. Your fervent gratitude, obedience, vigi- 
lance and firmness, will be crowned with the endearing 
pledges and encouraging foretastes of endless bliss. So will 
ye be well satisfied with your lots in every condition, and 
find that godliness coupled with divine contentment is the 
greatest and infinitely the most valuable gain, being fitted 
by your blessed Redeemer for life, death, judgment, and 
for that eternal joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. 

So will ye be alive to God, and of that number whom 
He pronounces blessed, who hunger and thirst after right- 
eousness. So will ye carefully watch against everything 
that is wrong, both in yourselves and others, and endeavor 
to stop it in its first beginning ; ye will love that which is 
good, and employ all your talents, with divine help, to 
promote it both by example and brotherly counsel. 

Then would meetings both for worship and discipline 
be well attended ; for coming to them under the prepara- 
tion of heart which is of the Lord, we should by Him be 
overshadowed with his power and love ; the Sun of Right- 
eousness would overspread us, who illuminates the spiritual 
mind to discern its duties, and animates to discharge 
them ; therein to share the good things which God has in 
store for them that love Him. We should hereby be edi- 
fied and built up together in the most holy faith, and con- 
cerned to live in reverent love and subjection to Him out 
of meetings, faithfully maintaining our testimony for Christ, 
our holy Head, in all its branches. 

So should we be again, as formerly, a people of one 
heart and mind, baptized by one spirit into one body. 
All the darkness of ignorance and inexperience, all the 
coldness of the worldly or carnal mind would be removed, 
and Zion's light would yet again go forth with bright- 



JAMES GOUGH. 141 

ness, ana the salvation of God be felt amongst us as a 
lamp that burnetii. 

With strong desires on the behalf of all who, in this 
nation, join in the profession of the blessed Truth, that 
they may thus experience the possession of it, and be 
partakers of its saving efficacy and lasting peace, I remain 
your affectionate and well-wishing friend, 

James Gough. 



INDEX 











PAGE. 


Affluence. Remarks on the dangers of, 


. 74 


Aldrich Moses, ..... 


. 57 


Alexander Isaac. Interesting incident connected with the 


ministry of, 


. 56 


Anderson Thomas, ..... 


. 54 


Anthony Nathaniel, ..... 


. 68 


Arscott Alexander, . 


27, 28 


Notice of the death and exemplary 


character of, . 


. 35 


Ashton John. Account of the convincement and faithful- 




ness of, 




. 58 


Atkinson Robert, 




. 




77 


Backhouse James, 




. 




. 114 


Badger Daniel, 




. 




, 35 


Barnes Elizabeth, 




. . • . 




, 86 


Thomas, 




. • . 




. 86 


Beale Joshua, . 




. • • 




73 


Beesley William, 




. 




. 28 


Beetham John, 




• 




. 86 


Bennett Thomas, 




• • • 




35. 51 


Binns John, 




• • » . 




. 72 


Birt whistle Margaret, 




• 




72 


Boake Thomas, 




. . . 




78 


Bowen John, . 




• . . 




62. 68 


Miriam, 




» . • . 




68 


Bownas Samuel, 




, 




69 


Camm Ann, 








56 


Corbyn John, . 




• • • 




36 


Thomas, 




. 


10 


3. 114 


Cromwell Oliver, 




• • » 




55 


Crosfield George, 




• • 




54 


Jane, 




... 




54 



144 INDEX. 

PAGE. 

Curtis John, ..... 81, 82, 83, 84 

Devonsher Jonas, . . . . . .36 

Dickenson James. Notice of the heavenly frame of mind 

of, on his death-bed, . . .52 

Dobbs Arthur, . . . . . . 38. 86 

John, . . . . . . .37 

Notice of the sufferings of, on account of fidel- 
ity to his religious convictions, . . 38 
Notice of the happy and triumphant death of, 39 



Mary, . 


. 


. 


. 


. 37 


Martha, . 


. 


. 


. 


37.39 


Eichard, 


. 


• 


. 


. 38 


Dobson Thomas, 


. 


... 


, 


. 114 


Drummond May, 


. 


. 


. 


70,71 


Duckett John, . 


• 


• 


• 


. 91 


Elliott John, . 








. 88, 


Philip, . 


. 


• 


. 


. 69 


Epistle of James Gough 


to Friends in Ireland, 


. 


. 124 


Evans Evan, . 


• 


. 


• 


. 68 


Fothergill John, 








26.71 


Samuel, 


. 


• . . 


. 57 


. 72. 98 


Franklin Julian, 


m 


... 


, 


. 54 



Friends. Kemarks on the state of the Society of, in Ireland, 89 

Fry John, 88 

Fuller Abraham, .... 57. 61, 62. 70 

Garratt Joseph, . . . . „ 116. 121 

Gawthrop Thomas, . . . . . .35 

Gill Joseph, . • . . . . . .58 

Goodwin John, . . . 62. 65. 67. 88. 105. 106 

The religious experience and hospitality 
of, ..... 65 

Gough John, .... 17.23,24,25,26,36.74 

Mary, .... 17.20.23.25.51,52.78 

John, brother of James, . . 35.51,52.86 



INDEX, 145 

PAGE. 

Gough John, son of James, ... 79. 86. 96, 97 

James. Motives of, in preparing his autobiography, 17 
Birth and parentage of, . . 17 

Early proficiency of, in his studies, . 17 

Early religious impressions of, . .18 

Remarks of, on the advantage' to religious 

society of faithful members, . 19. 21, 22 

Judicious care of his mother in training 

her children, . . . .20 

Becomes usher in the school of David Hall, 

at Skipton, . . . .23 

Notice of the sad condition of two persons, 
who in their youth were members of the 
family of David Hall, and comments 
thereon, . . . . .23 

Besides for a time in Liverpool, . . 25 

Remarkable preservation from drowning 

while there, . . . .25 

Returns to the school of David Hall, . 26 

Engages as usher in the school of Alexan- 
der Arscott, at Bristol, . . .27 
Remarks on the advantages of a plain dress, 30 
Is favored with a renewed visitation of 

Divine love, . . . .31 

Becomes obedient to Christ and a partaker 

of Divine consolations, . . .32 

Experiences the necessity of constant watch- 
fulness unto prayer, . . .33 
Engages to teach school at Cork, Ireland, 

and proceeds thither, . . 35, 36 

Marriage with Mary Dobbs, of Youghal, . 37 
Remarks on the necessity of attention to 
Divine counsel in temporal affairs, and 
in entering upon marriage, . 40, 41 

Appears in the ministry, . . .43 

Considerations upon the work of the min- 
istry, the dangers of applause, and meet- 
ings of ministers and elders, . . 44 



146 INDEX. 

PAGE. 

Gough James. Pays a religious visit in the north of Eng- 
land, .... 
Visits some parts of Leinster province, 
Leaves home to attend meetings in Wales 

and England, 
Settles near Mount melick, . 
Engages in the linen business, 
Visits some parts of Cumberland and West- 
moreland, .... 
Engages in school teaching at Mount- 

melick, .... 
Death of his wife, . , 

Pays a religious visit in Ulster province, 
Visits Munster province, 
Replies to some unfounded charges made 

by John Wesley, . 
Marriage with Elizabeth Barnes, . 
Attends the Yearly Meeting in London, 
Removes with his family to Bristol, 
Review of the state of the Society of Friends 
in Ireland, .... 

Remarks on the change of his residence 

and associations, . 
End of the autobiography, and addition by 

his brother John, . 
Notice of thedeatli and religious character 

of his son John, . 
Visits Friends in some of the counties of 

England, and in Ireland, 
Returns to Ireland, and teaches school in 

Dublin, .... 
Relinquishes school teaching, 
Exercise of mind in the prospect of paying 

a religious visit in Ulster province, 
Leaves home to visit Friends in Ulster, 
Visits families of Friends in Dublin, 
Visits families of Friends in Lisburn and 
Ballinderry, . . . .115 



INDEX. 



147 



Gough James. Visits Friends in Munster, 


raur.. 

116 


Pays a religious visit to the north of Ire- 




land, .... 


. 117 


Visits the Monthly Meetings of Mount 




melick and Edenderry, . 


117 


Attends meetings in Leinster and Munstei 




provinces, 


118 


Visits the families of Friends in Limerick 




and Cork, . 


119 


Last illness and death, 


121 


Remarks on the character of, 


122 


Epistle of, to Friends in Ireland, . 


124 


Testimony from the mens' meeting of Dub- 




lin concerning, . 


ix 


Greer Thomas, 


. 


81 


Hall David, . 


23. 26. 


29. 54 


Harris John, .... 


. 


77 


Hassen Garret, 


• 


73 


Hatton Susanna, 


. . « 


81 


Hird William, 


. . 


. 71 


HollisAbel, ... 


. . « 


69 


Howell William, 


10. 


5, 106 


Hunt Mary, 


. 


106 


Instantaneous regeneration. Remarks on the danger of the 




doctrine of, ..... 


85 


Inman Joseph, , 


. 


88 


Jackson Isaac, 


. 


88 


Jarman Margaret, 


• 


106 


Johnson Matthew, 


• 


115 


Jones Edward, 


, . . . 


68 


Jordan Joseph, 


, 


18 


Robert, 


. 


28 


Kennedy Richard, 


, . . 


. 25 


Lancaster Lydia, 


. 


. 53 


Leadbetter Peter, 


i 


. 25 


Lewis John, 


. 


. ^ 



148 



INDEX, 



Marriage. Eemarks on the importance of seeking Divine 

counsel in entering upon, . . . .41 

Marriott Tabitha, ..... 103 

Melhuish Thomas, . . . . 102. 106, 107 

Methodists. Remarks upon the, in Ireland, . . 84 

Millhouse Eobert, . . . . . .86 

Morgan Elizabeth, ...... 72 

Morris Susanna, . . . . . .72 

Ministry. Considerations upon the weighty service of and 

the temptations attending the, . .44 



Naylor James. Incident narrated of the powerful ministry 

55 



Neale Samuel, 


73. 75. 77. 122 


Nelson Jonathan, 


35 


Owen Humphrey, 


.' . . . 88.106 


Lewis, . 


89 


Owen, 


106 


Pease George, . 


. 73 


Peisley Mary, . 


75 


Penn William, 


65 


Philips John, . 


• 73 


Pirn John, of Edenderry, 


70 


of Lackah, 


75. 81 


Joshua, 


70 


Moses, 


75 


Raine Jonathan, 


72 


Rawlinson William, . 


. 53 


Rebanks Thomas, 


. 17 


Reece John, 


, 62 


Richardson John, 


28. 71 


Richardson Robert, 


79, 80 


William, . , 


» o o . .73 


Rickerby Mary, . , 


. 68 


Ridgway John, . , 


i • o . .73 


Routh George, . , 


. 86 



INDEX. 



149 



Routh Sarah, . 
Roe Joseph, 
Rowland Daniel, 
Rowlandson James, 

Jane, 
Rutty Dr. John, 

Sandham Deborah, 
Scott John, 
Sharpless Isaac, 
Sheppard James, 

Mary, 
Slater Mary, . 
William, 
Strangman Thomas. 
Storer John, 
Storr Joseph, . 

Taylor Joseph, 
Sarah, . 
William, 
Testimony from the men's meeting 

James Gough, 
Toft Joshua, 
Townsend John, 
Tylee James, . 



Waring Jeremiah, 

Wesley John, . . 81, 

Whitehead Thomas, 

Williams Joseph, 

Wilson Benjamin, 

James. Account given by, of his convincement, 

John of Kendal, 

Joshua, 

Thomas, 

Young John, . 



PAGE. 

. 72 
. 114 
62. 04 
. 53 
53, 54 
36. 39 



'0, 7 



1 1 



of Dublin, concerning 



39 
/l 
35 
60 
60 
72 
71 
89 
114 
71 

73. 
103 

72 

ix 

28 

114 

35 



69 

82.84 
69 
70 
61 
54 
27 
88 

59.60 



6S 



